Abstract
Obesity has become a major public health burden worldwide due to the huge social and economic impact derived from its related comorbidities [1]. Excessive body weight has been estimated to account for 16 % of the global burden disease [2] and according to World Health Organization estimates, over 600 million adults are obese worldwide Obesity is described as a multi-etiological disorder and several factors have been shown to be involved in its onset and development [1]. Despite the important progression in the study of obesity, prevalence rates continue to increase, suggesting that additional elements must be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Moreover, even if weight loss programs are effective, keeping the weight off continues to be an almost insurmountable challenge [3]. In this context, new theories are arising regarding food intake. Understanding obesity as a food addiction is a novel approach that has garnered considerable attention. Some studies have shown an association between mood and the overall dietary pattern including specific nutrients [4]. Recent research also shows that palatable and high calorie food may have addictive potential. Subjects chronically eat some foods in amounts larger than needed for staying healthy, which shows a loss of control in food behaviour [5]. Additionally, a 40 % prevalence of food addiction has been shown in obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery [6]. All these traces indicate that there may be a potential relationship between behaviour and weight gain.
Highlights
Obesity today Obesity has become a major public health burden worldwide due to the huge social and economic impact derived from its related comorbidities [1]
This review has shown how an addictive process may play a role in binge eating and obesity
It is known that some cases of excessive food intake do not respond to physiological needs but to a psychological behavioural component that needs to be identified
Summary
Obesity today Obesity has become a major public health burden worldwide due to the huge social and economic impact derived from its related comorbidities [1]. New theories about obesity: obesity as food addiction In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific evidence showing both neurobiological and behavioral relationships between drugs and food intake. Basic research using animal and humans models has shown that certain foods, mainly highly palatable foods, have addictive properties.
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