Chapter 3 - Dissecting compulsive eating behavior into three elements

Abstract

Forms of obesity, eating disorders, and the recently defined construct of food addiction are all characterized by compulsive eating behavior. Compulsive eating behavior can be deconstructed into three major elements, similar to the conceptualization of compulsive drug use in addiction: (1) habitual overeating, (2) overeating to relieve a negative emotional state, and (3) overeating despite aversive consequences. These elements arise from dysfunctions in three distinct, but overlapping, psychobiological processes, i.e., habit formation, negative emotional states, and behavioral control. The major neurobiological systems that underlie these processes comprise of the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex: neuroadaptations occurring in these systems can result in compulsive eating behaviors. The focus of this chapter is to review studies on compulsive eating behavior, as well as relevant research into compulsive drug use, and to describe the underlying neuropharmacology and neurobiological systems involved.