Abstract
The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is used for assessing food addiction (FA). Our study aimed at validating its Japanese version (J-YFAS 2.0). The subjects included 731 undergraduate students. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the root-mean-square error of approximation, comparative fit index, Tucker–Lewis index, and standardized root-mean-square residual were 0.065, 0.904, 0.880, and 0.048, respectively, for a one-factor structure model. Kuder–Richardson α was 0.78. Prevalence of the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed mild, moderate, and severe FA was 1.1%, 1.2%, and 1.0%, respectively. High uncontrolled eating and emotional eating scores of the 18-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ R-18) (p < 0.001), a high Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score (p < 0.001), frequent desire to overeat (p = 0.007), and frequent snacking (p = 0.003) were associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence. The scores demonstrated significant correlations with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA symptom count (p < 0.01). The highest attained body mass index was associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA symptom count (p = 0.026). The TFEQ R-18 cognitive restraint score was associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence (p < 0.05) and symptom count (p < 0.001), but not with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA severity. Like the YFAS 2.0 in other languages, the J-YFAS 2.0 has a one-factor structure and adequate convergent validity and reliability.
Highlights
The idea of food addiction (FA) is receiving increased interest [1]
Referring to previous research [15,16,17,18,19], we hypothesized that (1) the J-Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) has a one-factorial structure for the 11 J-YFAS 2.0 diagnostic criteria; (2) underweight, overweight, obesity, uncontrolled and emotional eating, frequent desire to overeat, frequent snacking, and mood and anxiety disorders are associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA; (3) cognitive restraint in eating is not associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA; and (4)
We examined whether the current and highest attained body mass index (BMI), TFEQ R-18 cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating scores, frequency of desire to overeat, snacking frequency, and K6 score were associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA
Summary
The idea of food addiction (FA) is receiving increased interest [1]. Evidence is emerging that certain types of foods (e.g., highly processed foods with high levels of refined carbohydrates and/or added fat) may be capable of triggering addictive-like eating behaviors (e.g., loss of control, withdrawal, and cravings) in some individuals, which can lead to significant impairment or distress, [2,3]. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) is the most commonly used measure to assess FA, FA is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) [12] and controversy exists regarding its definition [11]. Referring to previous research [15,16,17,18,19], we hypothesized that (1) the J-YFAS has a one-factorial structure for the 11 J-YFAS 2.0 diagnostic criteria (structural validity); (2) underweight, overweight, obesity, uncontrolled and emotional eating, frequent desire to overeat, frequent snacking, and mood and anxiety disorders are associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA (convergent validity); (3) cognitive restraint in eating is not associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA (discriminant validity); and (4). The internal consistency is good for the 11 J-YFAS 2.0 diagnostic criteria (reliability)
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