Food compulsion: Identification and strategies for control
In the ongoing debate about food addiction, the scientific community remains divided on whether it can be classified as a substance use disorder (SUD). While there is growing evidence suggesting that some eating behaviors, particularly those involving ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in sugar, fat, and salt, show addiction-like patterns similar to those found in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other SUDs, major psychiatric bodies have yet to formally recognize food addiction as an official clinical diagnosis.
Studies have shown that UPFs can drive addictive-like behaviors and neuroadaptations, with brain imaging studies revealing hyperactive reward centers and altered cognitive control in individuals exhibiting these behaviors. Controlled feeding studies find that UPF diets lead to greater weight gain than unprocessed diets, supporting a behavioral addiction model.
However, it's crucial to note that food addiction shares symptoms and neurobiology with binge-type eating disorders. The debate continues as to whether these addictive-like eating behaviors reflect true substance addiction or are secondary to cognitive and hormonal adaptations due to weight suppression and dietary restraint.
At present, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have not officially classified UPF addiction or food addiction as a SUD. Some experts argue that addiction-like eating symptoms are better explained by eating disorder pathology and dieting behaviors rather than addiction to food substances themselves.
Despite the ongoing debate, researchers propose that treatment methods effective for SUDs, such as abstinence-based strategies, could help people with UPF addiction and related binge eating behaviors. This reflects an emerging view of food addiction as a progressive disease requiring specific interventions.
For anyone who feels their eating is out of control or wants help getting to a healthy weight, speaking to a doctor is highly recommended. Treatment for food addiction may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, solution-focused therapy, trauma therapy, nutritional counseling and dietary planning, and lifestyle changes. A therapist can help a person develop new coping mechanisms and a more positive relationship with food.
In conclusion, while the concept of food addiction has strong scientific support in terms of neurobiology and behavioral parallels with substance addiction, it is still debated whether it qualifies as a true SUD. Official psychiatric classification has yet to endorse it, but ongoing research and clinical interest increasingly support recognizing addiction-like UPF consumption as a legitimate target for specialized treatment approaches.
- Recent research indicates that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may induce addiction-like behaviors, leading to alterations in the brain's reward centers and cognitive control, which mimic those found in substance use disorders (SUDs).
- Despite the evidence suggesting food addiction shares similarities with SUDs, major mental health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have yet to officially classify UPF addiction or food addiction as a SUD.
- The debate surrounding food addiction continues as some experts suggest that these addictive-like eating behaviors might be better explained by eating disorder pathology and dieting behaviors rather than true addiction to food substances.
- To manage a potentially addictive relationship with food or to achieve a healthier weight, it is advised to seek medical assistance. Treatment options may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling and dietary planning, and various therapeutic approaches to help develop a more positive relationship with food and foster new coping mechanisms.
