Excessive Food Consumption Research Articles

Antagonism of Sigma-1 Receptors Blocks Compulsive-Like Eating

Binge eating disorder is an addiction-like disorder characterized by episodes of rapid and excessive food consumption within discrete periods of time which occur compulsively despite negative consequences. This study was aimed at determining whether antagonism of Sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) blocked compulsive-like binge eating. We trained male wistar rats to obtain a sugary, highly palatable diet (Palatable group) or a regular chow diet (Chow control group), for 1 h a day under fixed ratio 1 operant conditioning. Following intake stabilization, we evaluated the effects of the selective Sig-1R antagonist BD-1063 on food responding. Using a light/dark conflict test, we also tested whether BD-1063 could block the time spent and the food eaten in an aversive, open compartment, where the palatable diet was offered. Furthermore, we measured Sig-1R mRNA and protein expression in several brain areas of the two groups, 24 h after the last binge session. Palatable rats rapidly developed binge-like eating, escalating the 1 h intake by four times, and doubling the eating rate and the regularity of food responding, compared to Chow rats. BD-1063 dose-dependently reduced binge-like eating and the regularity of food responding, and blocked the increased eating rate in Palatable rats. In the light/dark conflict test, BD-1063 antagonized the increased time spent in the aversive compartment and the increased intake of the palatable diet, without affecting motor activity. Finally, Palatable rats showed reduced Sig-1R mRNA expression in prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, and a two-fold increase in Sig-1R protein expression in anterior cingulate cortex compared to control Chow rats. These findings suggest that the Sig-1R system may contribute to the neurobiological adaptations driving compulsive-like eating, opening new avenues of investigation towards pharmacologically treating binge eating disorder.

Metabolic Impact of the Amount and Type of Dietary Carbohydrates on the Risk of Obesity and Diabetes

The relationship between dietary carbohydrates and the current obesity and diabetes epidemic is the subject of intense renewed interest. Since glucose is an essential source of energy, with limited body stores, maintenance of blood levels and changes in its metabolism are strongly determined by the intake of carbohydrates in the diet. Depending on the individual genetic susceptibility and the impact of other risk factors, these metabolic changes can potentially deteriorate into manifest abnormalities with an important disease risk. In this review we focus on the impact of changing the quantity and quality of dietary carbohydrates on the biochemistry of fat synthesis and storage and on the metabolic abnormalities that can lead to overweight and obesity and to complications such as the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using simple illustrations of the metabolic pathways involved, we summarize current research on the following issues: ∞ Does an increase in dietary carbohydrates induce changes in blood lipids and an increase in body fat? ∞ Does a diet with a high glycemic index lead to higher energy intakes, obesity and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus? ∞ Is sucrose more obesigenic than starch? ∞ Does excessive consumption of food and drinks sweetened with fructose explain the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes? Despite convincing experimental data explaining the metabolic outcomes of excess consumption of these carbohydrate types, the evidence from dietary intervention studies has been undermined by methodological issues. Clear nomenclature and classification are still needed before this information can be applied to explain metabolic risks in each individual as well as to set up guidelines for the public health authorities and the food industry.

Current and emerging concepts on the role of peripheral signals in the control of food intake and development of obesity

The gastrointestinal peptides are classically known as short-term signals, primarily inducing satiation and/or satiety. However, accumulating evidence has broadened this view, and their role in long-term energy homeostasis and the development of obesity has been increasingly recognised. In the present review, the recent research involving the role of satiation signals, especially ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and peptide YY, in the development and treatment of obesity will be discussed. Their activity, interactions and release profile vary constantly with changes in dietary and energy influences, intestinal luminal environment, body weight and metabolic status. Manipulation of gut peptides and nutrient sensors in the oral and postoral compartments through diet and/or changes in gut microflora or using multi-hormone 'cocktail' therapy are among promising approaches aimed at reducing excess food consumption and body-weight gain.

Food cravings in food addiction: The distinct role of positive reinforcement

Craving for a particular substance is an essential characteristic of addictive behavior. Increasing evidence suggests that food cravings and excessive food consumption could similarly be due to addictive processes. Recently, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was introduced for identifying individuals with addictive eating patterns. We conducted an online study (n=616, 75.8% female) in which participants filled out the YFAS and the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T). Participants diagnosed as being addicted to food using the YFAS had higher scores on all food craving subscales except for anticipation of positive reinforcement that may result from eating. In a subsequent regression analysis, all food craving subscales positively predicted food addiction symptoms while positive reinforcement negatively predicted food addiction symptoms. Similar to other addictive behaviors, results indicate that individuals with addictive eating patterns experience more food cravings, but concurrently do not expect a positive reinforcement through eating.

Poor food and nutrient intake among Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural Australian children.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe the food and nutrient intake of a population of rural Australian children particularly Indigenous children. Participants were aged 10 to 12 years, and living in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage on the north coast of New South Wales.MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional study 215 children with a mean age of 11.30 (SD 0.04) years (including 82 Indigenous children and 93 boys) completed three 24-hour food recalls (including 1 weekend day), over an average of two weeks in the Australian summer of late 2005.ResultsA high proportion of children consumed less than the Australian Nutrient Reference Values for fibre (74-84% less than Adequate Intake (AI)), calcium (54-86% less than Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)), folate and magnesium (36% and 28% respectively less than EAR among girls), and the majority of children exceeded the upper limit for sodium (68-76% greater than Upper Limit (UL)). Energy-dense nutrient-poor (EDNP) food consumption contributed between 45% and 49% to energy. Hot chips, sugary drinks, high-fat processed meats, salty snacks and white bread were the highest contributors to key nutrients and sugary drinks were the greatest per capita contributor to daily food intake for all. Per capita intake differences were apparent by Indigenous status. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was low for all children. Indigenous boys had a higher intake of energy, macronutrients and sodium than non-Indigenous boys.ConclusionsThe nutrient intake and excessive EDNP food consumption levels of Australian rural children from disadvantaged areas are cause for concern regarding their future health and wellbeing, particularly for Indigenous boys. Targeted intervention strategies should address the high consumption of these foods.

Habituation to the pleasure elicited by sweetness in lean and obese women

In this study, we used a validated psychophysical tool, the hedonic general magnitude scale (hedonic gLMS), to examine whether hedonic responsivity after repetitive tasting of a sweet-tasting liquid follows a habituation pattern that is independent of adaptation to the sweet taste at the orosensory level, and whether the pattern of response is different between obese (N=22) and lean (N=32) women. The perceived sweet intensity and hedonic value of a 24% w/v sucrose solution was measured with the gLMS and sucrose preferences with the Monell two-series, forced-choice tracking method. Although women perceived the same intensity of sweetness across trials, obese women responded with a slower rate of habituation to the liking of repetitive sweet-taste orosensory stimulation than did lean women. Therefore, the decreased hedonic response observed in obese women cannot be explained by adaptation processes at the orosensory level or by differential perception of taste intensity or scale bias between the groups. The groups did not differ in the level of sweetness preferred. Because obesity was associated with slower patterns of habituation to the palatability elicited by sweetness in women, this characteristic could contribute to slower satiation rates, prolongation of eating episodes, and excessive food consumption in obese women.

Does co-morbid depression alter the inverse relationship between obesity and substance use disorders?

BackgroundSubstance use disorders and obesity are often inversely related to one another, hypothetically due to competition over shared neurobiological reward circuitry. However, obesity and substance use disorders share common risk factors, such as other psychiatric disorders. It is unknown whether the inverse relationship between obesity and substance use disorders continues to exist in the presence of shared risk factors. MethodsFor the current study, we examined the associations between major depression, alcohol and drug use disorders, and overweight/obesity status in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (n=40,715). ResultsOur findings demonstrated that adults with major depression were more likely to be obese, whereas adults with alcohol or drug use disorders were less likely to be obese. However, the inverse relationship between substance use and obesity continued to exist in adults with co-morbid depression. Adults with depression disorders co-morbid with alcohol (Relative Risk [RR]=0.63, 95% CI=0.47–0.84) or drug (RR=0.54, 95% CI=0.36–0.81) use disorders were less likely to be obese vs normal weight. ConclusionsOur findings provide support for the proposal that excess food consumption and excess drug use appear to compete over shared neurobiology even when the motivation to self-medicate with either food or substances might be elevated.

Does food addiction distinguish a specific subgroup of overweight/obese overeating women?

Neurophysiological and behavioral similarities have been evidenced between excessive food consumption leading to obesity and addiction to other substances. In accordance, food addiction was defined following the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for substance dependence. The aim of this pilot study was to identify a subgroup of women suffering from food addiction (n = 11), and to compare them to women suffering from substance-use disorder (n = 23), and to women seeking treatment for compulsive overeating but free from food addiction (n = 12) on addiction-related characteristics (reward sensitivity, impulsivity, personality traits, depression, emotion dysregulation). We hypothesized that women with food addiction would be similar to women with substance-use disorders, and different from women with compulsive overeating without food addiction. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing food addiction and other variables related to addiction. Almost half (47.8%) of women with compulsive overeating fulfilled the criteria for food addiction. Although food addiction does not account for every case of compulsive overeating, it characterizes a specific subgroup of overweight/obese women who show more severe overeating. Women with food addiction seem to be more similar to women suffering from substance-use disorders than to other women with overeating difficulties, particularly regarding impulsivity and self-directedness.

Common cellular and molecular mechanisms in obesity and drug addiction

The hedonic properties of food can stimulate feeding behaviour even when energy requirements have been met, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Similarly, the hedonic effects of drugs of abuse can motivate their excessive intake, culminating in addiction. Common brain substrates regulate the hedonic properties of palatable food and addictive drugs, and recent reports suggest that excessive consumption of food or drugs of abuse induces similar neuroadaptive responses in brain reward circuitries. Here, we review evidence suggesting that obesity and drug addiction may share common molecular, cellular and systems-level mechanisms.

The Addiction Potential of Hyperpalatable Foods

Scientific interest in "food addiction" continues to grow due both to neurobiological and behavioral similarities between substance dependence and excessive food consumption. An important next step is to examine the addictive potential of highly processed foods. In this paper, we explore addiction-related changes in the modern food environment (e.g., increased potency, elevated speed of absorption), examine the historical and modern understanding of addictive substances as applied to hyperpalatable foods, and outline shared factors that increase the public health costs of both addictive drugs and certain foods.

Rimonabant Redux and Strategies to Improve the Future Outlook of CB1 Receptor Neutral‐Antagonist/Inverse‐Agonist Therapies

Rimonabant Redux and Strategies to Improve the Future Outlook of CB1 Receptor Neutral‐Antagonist/Inverse‐Agonist Therapies

Family Functioning and Obesity Risk Behaviors: Implications for Early Obesity Intervention

Family functioning is found to be associated with overweight and obesity in childhood, but its association with maternal obesity risk behaviors is not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether family functioning is associated with maternal obesity risk behaviors and to inform the development of early obesity interventions. A total of 408 first-time mothers at 24-34 weeks of pregnancy were included in the study. They participated in the Healthy Beginnings Trial (HBT) conducted in southwest Sydney, Australia in 2008. An analysis of cross-sectional baseline data was conducted using ordinal logistic regression modeling. Key measures were assessed using the McMaster Family Assessment Device, and self-reported obesity risk behaviors including excessive consumption of soft drinks, fast food, and excessive small screen time. The study found that 30% of the study population had a family functioning score ≥2, indicating unhealthy family functioning. About one-third (36%) of the mothers had more than one obesity risk behavior. Mothers with a family functioning score ≥2 were more likely to have more than one obesity risk behavior (47% vs. 32%, P < 0.05) than mothers with a lower score. The proportion of mothers with a family functioning score ≥2 increased from 22% to 29% to 39% as the number of maternal obesity risk behaviors increased from 0 to 1 to 2 or more, giving an adjusted proportional odds ratio (AOR) of 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.0, P = 0.001). Family functioning is independently associated with the number of maternal obesity risk behaviors after allowing for the effects of maternal age and education. Overweight and obesity interventions should consider addressing family functioning.

Relationship of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviour with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Sofia Lifestyle (SLS) Study

Physical inactivity and excessive food consumption play a major role in the etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of physical activity (PA) and eating behaviour with obesity and T2DM in citizens of Sofia, Bulgaria. A total of 511 randomly chosen participants completed a validated questionnaire concerning age, body height and weight, medical history, and motivation for a lifestyle change. The Baecke PA questionnaire and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire were also completed. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher among subjects in the lowest compared with the middle (P = 0.002) and with the highest tertile of leisure time PA (P < 0.001), also between the lowest and the highest tertile group of sport PA (P = 0.001). BMI differed significantly in the highest vs. the middle (P = 0.04), as well as vs. the lowest (P= 0.017) tertile of uncontrolled eating behaviour. The prevalence of T2DM was significantly greater in the lowest vs. the middle (P = 0.027) and the highest (P = 0.02) tertile of leisure time PA. In a multiple regression analysis both leisure time PA and uncontrolled eating were independently associated with BMI (beta = -0.13, 95% CI -1.83 to -0.11, P = 0.03 and beta = 0.32, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44, P < 0.001). We found a strong inverse relationship between the level of PA during leisure time (including sport), BMI, and the prevalence of T2DM. Uncontrolled eating behaviour was also found to have a significant effect on BMI.

Engagement of fatty acids with toll‐like receptor 2 drives interleukin‐1β production via the ASC/caspase 1 pathway in monosodium urate monohydrate crystal–induced gouty arthritis

The concept that intraarticular crystals of uric acid by themselves trigger episodes of painful gouty arthritis is inconsistent with the clinical reality. Patients with large deposits of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals (tophi) do not necessarily experience gouty attacks. In fact, it is the excessive consumption of food or alcohol that elicits the inflammation of the acute gout attack. The aim of this study was to identify the precise mechanism that initiates flares of gouty arthritis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and murine macrophages were stimulated in vitro with MSU, free fatty acids (FFAs), or both in combination. Thereafter, production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and activation of caspase 1 were determined. Gouty arthritis was induced in mice with deficiencies in the genes for caspase 1, ASC, NALP3, or IL-1β, and the lack of inflammasome activity during joint swelling or other joint pathologic features was investigated in these mice. MSU crystals had no biologic effects on PBMCs from healthy subjects, whereas the FFA C18:0 in the presence of MSU crystals induced the release of large amounts of IL-1β following engagement of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2). Interaction of FFAs, but not alcohol, with TLR-2 synergized with MSU crystals to induce an inflammatory reaction. An important event of MSU/FFA-induced acute joint inflammation is the activation of the inflammasome. MSU/FFA-induced release of IL-1β was dependent on activation of caspase 1 and ASC, but surprisingly, not NALP3. The synergistic effect between FFAs and MSU crystals leads to ASC/caspase 1-driven IL-1β release. This mechanism could explain how constitutionally derived metabolic events initiate attacks of gout via the induction of IL-1β-mediated joint inflammation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: an ancient disorder?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be an ancient disorder, which has persisted in human evolution despite reduced fecundity because of the benefits to affected women such as greater sturdiness and improved energy utilization, a rearing advantage for their children and kin, and a reduction in the risk of perinatal mortality. This raises the possibility that gene variants that are eventually found to be associated with PCOS will be similar across ethnic groups and races.

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Associations with Overeating and Obesity

In the past decade, we have become increasingly aware of strong associations between overweight/obesity and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. This review addresses the prevalence of the comorbidity and discusses some of the mechanisms that could account for their relationship. It is suggested that the inattentive and impulsive behaviors that characterize ADHD could contribute to overeating in our current food environment, with its emphasis on fast food consumption and its many food temptations. It is also proposed-based on the compelling evidence that foods high in fat, sugar, and salt are as addictive as some drugs of abuse-that excessive food consumption could be a form of self-medication. This view conforms with the well-established evidence that drug use and abuse are substantially higher among those with ADHD than among the general population.

Tooth cleaning and tooth wear: A review

With increases in life expectancy and better retention of the dentition due to a combination of the use of fluoride and better oral hygiene practices, there has been increased attention to tooth wear. This review describes the factors affecting tooth cleaning and wear, discusses methods of measuring wear, and assesses the implications. It is concluded that tooth wear is a complicated process, comprising a number of different mechanisms, which may occur simultaneously and possibly synergistically. For the majority of the population, tooth wear should not reach clinically significant levels; however, excessive consumption of acidic food or drink could be problematic. Tooth brushing before an acid challenge is recommended, rather than doing so within an hour of receiving one. Tooth brushing with toothpaste in normal use is, however, concluded to be both safe and beneficial to oral health.

Excessive recreational computer use and food consumption behaviour among adolescents

IntroductionUsing the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, we explore the association between excessive recreational computer use and specific food consumption behavior among California's adolescents aged 12-17.MethodThe adolescent component of CHIS 2005 measured the respondents' average number of hours spent on viewing TV on a weekday, the average number of hours spent on viewing TV on a weekend day, the average number of hours spent on playing with a computer on a weekday, and the average number of hours spent on playing with computers on a weekend day. We recode these four continuous variables into four variables of "excessive media use," and define more than three hours of using a medium per day as "excessive." These four variables are then used in logistic regressions to predict different food consumption behaviors on the previous day: having fast food, eating sugary food more than once, drinking sugary drinks more than once, and eating more than five servings of fruits and vegetables. We use the following variables as covariates in the logistic regressions: age, gender, race/ethnicity, parental education, household poverty status, whether born in the U.S., and whether living with two parents.ResultsHaving fast food on the previous day is associated with excessive weekday TV viewing (O.R. = 1.38, p < 0.01). Having sugary food more than once is associated with excessive weekend TV viewing (O.R. = 1.50, p < 0.001). Having sugary drinks more than once is associated with excessive weekday TV viewing (O.R. = 1.41, p < 0.01), excessive weekday recreational computer use (O.R. = 1.38, p < 0.05), and excessive weekend TV viewing (O.R. = 1.43, p < 0.001). Finally, having more than five servings of fruits and vegetables on the previous day is negatively associated with all four media use variables: excessive weekday TV viewing (O.R. = 0.64, p < 0.001), excessive weekday recreational computer use (O.R. = 0.68, p < 0.01), excessive weekend TV viewing (O.R. = 0.80, p < 0.05), and excessive weekend recreational computer use (O.R. = 0.78, p < 0.05).ConclusionExcessive recreational computer use independently predicts undesirable eating behaviors that could lead to overweight and obesity. Preventive measures ranging from parental/youth counseling to content regulations might be addressing the potential undesirable influence from excessive computer use on eating behaviors among children and adolescents.

Body mass index and alcohol consumption: Family history of alcoholism as a moderator.

Recent research suggests that excess food consumption may be conceptualized as an addictive behavior. Much of the evidence comes from neurobiological similarities between drug and food consumption. In addition, an inverse relation between alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI) has been observed. Previous research has hypothesized that this inverse relation is attributable to competition between food and alcohol for similar neurotransmitter receptors. The current study explored this neurobiological hypothesis further by examining the influence of an indicator of biological risk associated with alcohol problems (family history of alcoholism) on the relationship between alcohol and food intake. Data from 37,259 participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were included in the study. BMI, family history of alcoholism, gender, and race/ethnicity were assessed as predictors of typical drinking frequency and estimated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). An inverse relationship between alcohol consumption and BMI was demonstrated. An attenuation of family history effects on drinking behavior was evident for obese compared to nonobese participants. The results suggest a neurobiological link between alcohol use and food consumption, consistent with theories characterizing excess food consumption as an addictive behavior.

Food Addiction

The evidence for food's addictive properties is steadily growing. In addition to clinical and evolutionary plausibility, the possibility of addiction to food is supported by animal model research and increasingly by research with humans. Much as classic drugs of abuse "hijack" the brain, accumulating evidence with food suggests a similar impact, but with weaker effects. Although neurobiological evidence for food addiction is compelling, dependence as conceptualized with respect to alcohol and other drugs of abuse is fundamentally a behavioral disorder. Thus, we review the current state of food addiction research in the context of each of the diagnostic criterion for dependence (ie, tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control) and briefly explore other relevant addiction topics such as expectancies, reinforcement, and incentive salience. There is substantial evidence that some people lose control over their food consumption, suffer from repeated failed attempts to reduce their intake, and are unable to abstain from certain types of food or reduce consumption in the face of negative consequences. Although there is some evidence for other dependence criterion, further research is needed to examine tolerance and withdrawal to high-fat sweets, time spent in obtaining, using, and recovering from excess food consumption and the degree to which important activities are given up due to overconsumption. As science continues forward and both the public and elected leaders become aware that food may trigger an addictive process, this information will likely be used to inform policy. Thus, researchers need to carefully consider the implications of their work and the way in which the results may be interpreted.