Neurobiology of Binge Eating Disorder and Implications for Food Addiction

Abstract

Abstract Binge eating disorder (BED) has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 0.85%–2.8% among U.S. adults and 2% globally. BED shares characteristics with addictive behaviors including food addiction (FA). FA is a multidimensional construct involving overconsumption of hyper-palatable foods in the setting of adverse consequences. Despite similarities, BED and FA represent unique constructs. Here, published studies examining neurobiological characteristics associated with BED and FA are examined. Animal and human studies demonstrate that food high in fat and sugar may produce neural responses similar to those associated with addictive drugs, suggesting relationships between binge eating and substance use behaviors. Animal studies implicate cortico-striatal circuitry as underlying these behaviors. BED is associated with abnormalities in cognitive processes and related domains including impulsivity, compulsivity, executive functioning, attention, and decision-making. Like in preclinical models, the prefrontal cortex and striatum have been implicated in human studies of BED and FA. Further, FA features in individuals with BED have implications for treatment outcomes. Understanding common elements—as may be reflected in transdiagnostic features like impulsivity and compulsivity—and unique differences between BED and FA is important. FA represents an important related and independent construct. Understanding how FA relates to BED and vice versa, including at neurobiological levels, should promote intervention development and implementation.