Abstract
Background and Aims: It is assumed that a relevant subgroup of individuals experiences an addiction-like eating behaviour (Food Addiction), characterized by an impaired control over eating behaviour, emotional eating and food craving. Individuals experiencing Food Addiction partially share common symptomatology with Binge-Eating-Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Food Addiction, general psychopathology, and associations with weight- and addiction-related constructs in individuals with overweight and obesity, who did not suffer from Binge-Eating-Disorder or Bulimia Nervosa.Methods:N=213 (67.1% female; MBMI=33.35kg/m2, SDBMI=3.79kg/m2) participants who were included in a weight loss program (I-GENDO project) reported BMI and completed questionnaires before the start of the treatment. Food Addiction severity, depressive symptoms, alcohol use disorder, internet use disorder, psychological distress, impulsivity personality trait, impulsive and emotional eating behaviour, food related inhibitory control, weight bias internalization, and self-efficacy were assessed.Results: The prevalence of Food Addiction was 15% with higher, although not statistically significant, prevalence in female (18.2%) compared to male (8.6%) participants. Food Addiction was associated with higher BMI at baseline assessment, low self-esteem, impulsive and emotional eating behaviour, weight bias internalization, and deficits in food-related inhibitory control. In addition, correlations were found between Food Addiction and severity of depressive symptoms, internet use disorder, and psychological distress.Conclusion: A relevant subgroup of participants experiences Food Addiction even when controlling for Binge-Eating-Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. Future studies are warranted that investigate whether Food Addiction affects treatment success.
Highlights
In the last decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically worldwide, causing physical, and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders (Chu et al, 2019)
Based on the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders (SUD) the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was adapted to addictive overeating (Gearhardt et al, 2009)
Following the guidelines of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) and the German Association for the Study of Obesity (DAG) individuals with obesity class III (BMI > 39.9) suffer from a complex multifactorial framework of psychological, social and physical problems and are recommended to undergo a bariatric surgery
Summary
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically worldwide, causing physical, and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders (Chu et al, 2019). Various weight loss programs (WLPs) have been developed mainly based on physical activity, diets, and change in eating habits (Jensen and Ryan, 2014). A subgroup of individuals with overweight and obesity describes themselves as being “addicted” to food, characterized by an impaired control over their eating behaviour, emotional eating and food craving (Davis et al, 2013; Meule, 2015). It is assumed that a relevant subgroup of individuals experiences an addiction-like eating behaviour (Food Addiction), characterized by an impaired control over eating behaviour, emotional eating and food craving. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Food Addiction, general psychopathology, and associations with weight- and addiction-related constructs in individuals with overweight and obesity, who did not suffer from Binge-Eating-Disorder or Bulimia Nervosa
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