Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Research Articles

Validation of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) in Spanish University Students.

The aim of this study was to explore the factorial structure, psychometric properties and association with anthropometric and clinical variables of the Modified Yale Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) in a Spanish university population. A cross-sectional study of n = 270 university students in Spain was conducted. mYFAS 2.0, Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Pittsburg Sleep Quality index (PSQI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In mYFAS 2.0 were performed an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), an Unweight Least Square (ULS), a model fit using comparative fit index (CFI) and nomological validity. EFA revealed that a two-factor structure is the most appropriate in a non-clinical population of Spanish university students. The factors accounted for 18.54% and 16.33% of the variance, and the correlation between them was moderate-0.487 (p < 0.001). This different structure from that reported in the original scale could be derived from the cultural characteristics and intrinsic eating habits of the study population. The correlation matrix reported an inverse association of mYFAS 2.0 with Body Mass Index (BMI). In addition, participants with a BMI below 25 showed a higher mYFAS 2.0 and EEQ score. These results suggest some changes in the psychometric assessment structure of the mYFAS 2.0 in a non-clinical population of university students, as well as the usefulness of this questionnaire to identify individuals with an adequate BMI but with compensatory behaviours that predispose to different eating disorders.

Internalized weight stigma and psychological distress mediate the association of perceived weight stigma with food addiction among young adults: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPerceived weight stigma (PWS) and internalized weight stigma (IWS) are both associated with psychological distress and food addiction (FA). Using the previously proposed ‘cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma’ (COBWEBS) model, the present study extended the framework to investigate the mediating effects of IWS and psychological distress in the association between PWS and FA among young adults. Given that individuals who are overweight/have obesity have different vulnerabilities, this population was separately analyzed alongside the total study population.MethodsAn online survey comprising the Perceived Weight Stigma Scale, Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2 was completed by 601 participants (59.6% females; mean age 29.3 years [SD = 6.07]). A total of 219 participants were categorized as being overweight/having obesity.ResultsA direct correlation was found between PWS and FA (standardized coefficient [β] = 0.28, p < 0.001) among both populations, and was mediated by IWS and psychological distress (β [95% CI] = 0.03 [0.01, 0.05] for WBIS score and 0.10 [0.06, 0.14] for DASS-21 score) among the total participants, but only mediated by psychological distress among participants who were overweight/had obesity (β [95% CI] = 0.14 [0.06, 0.24]).ConclusionsThe results demonstrated novel perspectives by showing the direct association between PWS and FA and the mediating roles of IWS and psychological distress. Treatment strategies such as psychological acceptance and psychoeducation could be used to reduce weight stigma, which could have positive downstream benefits of ameliorating FA. Future research may seek to study strategies for reducing weight stigma and psychological distress, to investigate their efficacy in improving disordered eating.

Development and validation of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0

ObjectiveScientific interest in the concept of food addiction is growing, but more studies are needed in youth samples. Brief, psychometrically valid, and developmentally appropriate measures are needed to support the assessment of food addiction in large-scale studies of youth that need to minimize participant burden. While a brief version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) exists for adults, no comparable scale exists for youth. Thus, the current study aimed to develop a brief and valid measure of food addiction for use in youth populations (the modified YFAS for children 2.0). MethodData stem from the Food Addiction Denmark (FADK) Project, where random samples of 559 adolescents from the general population and 413 adolescents from a population with mental disorder completed the 35-item original YFAS for children 2.0 (YFAS-C 2.0). An abbreviated 13-item version was developed, and the psychometric properties of the modified YFAS-C 2.0 (mYFAS-C 2.0) were then evaluated. ResultsThe mYFAS-C 2.0 exhibited a one-factor structure and was found to have sound psychometric properties regarding internal consistency and convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. This was evident in both the general adolescent population sample and the sample of adolescents with mental disorders. ConclusionsThe mYFAS-C 2.0 provides a brief and psychometrically valid measure of food addiction for youth, which may be beneficial for study designs (e.g., epidemiological samples) that aim to minimize participant burden. Future research on the test-retest reliability of the mYFAS-C 2.0 and its psychometric properties in younger children are important next steps.

Reliability and validity of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) in a sample of individuals with depressive disorders

BackgroundFood addiction (FA) is strongly associated with depressive symptoms. The reliability and validity of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) were not previously determined in clinical samples in Brazil. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the mYFAS 2.0 in adult individuals with depressive disorders.MethodsThe data stems from a survey investigating FA in a convenience sample of subjects diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Participants answered mYFAS 2.0 and scales for binge eating, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and alcohol and nicotine use. Height and weight were measured to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). We evaluated the factor structure, reliability, convergent, discriminant, criterion, and incremental validity.ResultsThe sample encompassed 303 participants with a mean age of 37.03 ± 11.72 years, 84.16% of whom were women. The Cronbach’s alpha for the mYFAS 2.0 was satisfactory (alpha = 0.915). The best goodness-of-fit model was a single factor, and mYFAS 2.0 showed convergent validity with binge eating and discriminant validity with the alcohol and nicotine use measures. Food addiction presented a weak positive correlation with depressive and anxiety symptoms and BMI. Three food addiction symptoms provided the best balance between sensitivity (80.95%) and specificity (74.81%). Incremental validity over binge eating symptoms was confirmed (t = 4.040, β = 0.681, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Brazilian mYFAS 2.0 performed satisfactorily in this clinical sample of participants with a depressive disorder. These findings suggest it may be a brief, useful, and valid food addiction screening tool for this group.

Addiction to ultra-processed foods as a mediator between psychological stress and emotional eating during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic induced psychological distress, which is linked to emotional eating and symptoms of addiction to ultra-processed foods (UPFs).ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether symptoms of addiction to UPFs mediate the relationship between psychological stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and emotional eating behaviour.MethodsA cross-sectional online study was conducted from May to November 2021 among 368 undergraduate Brazilian students. The participants answered demographic questions and completed validated scales, including the Coronavirus Stress Measure, Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and Emotional Eating Questionnaire. Mediation analysis was employed to examine the hypothesised relationships.ResultsThe results revealed a significant indirect effect, indicating that symptoms of food addiction mediated the association between perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and emotional eating behaviour. Specifically, 61% of the influence of perceived stress on emotional eating during the pandemic was explained by symptoms of UPF addiction.ConclusionThese findings suggest that addressing symptoms of UPF addiction could be pivotal in public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among distressed undergraduate students in the post-COVID-19 era.

Sugar addiction and its role in obesity among adolescents residing in an urban field practice area of Bagalkot: A cross-sectional study

Obesity, a multi-factorial process is showing an increasing trend among children and adolescents leading to increased prevalence of insulin resistance, paving the way for cardio-metabolic risk factors. It has been proposed that certain food items as well as eating habits are addictive in a way that is similar to substances of abuse. Thus, this study was conducted among adolescents to determine the frequency of sugar addiction, the influencing factors and its association with obesity. A cross-sectional study was designed and 250 late adolescents (17–19 years old) chosen from colleges coming under urban field practice area of Bagalkot were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire which consisted of three sections - socio-demographic details, validated Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) was used to collect data regarding sugar addiction and physical activity in our study. Sugar addiction was found among 7.6%of adolescents and it was associated with overweight and obesity which was statistically significant (X=42.72, p&amp;#60;0.0001). Factors which significantly contributed to sugar addiction among adolescents were; adolescents staying in hostel (p&amp;#60;0.001), working mother’s (p&amp;#60;0.0001) and socio-economic status (p=0.02). Univariate analysis (unadjusted odds ratio) showed that risk factors such as sugar addiction (Odds ratio 9.6, 95% C.I. 2.18-42.8, p=0.003) and reduced physical activity (Odds ratio 3.8, 95% C.I. 2.02-7.26, p=0.0001) were associated with overweight and obesity.Incorporation of measures against hyper palatable sugary foods into public health policy recommendations and a further detailed evaluation regarding sugar addiction may provide a new insight and help in prevention and treatment of obesity.

The burden of overweight/obesity and weight-related behaviors attributable to food addiction in emerging adults

While food addiction has been positively associated with excess weight and disordered eating behaviors, this has not been examined in representative samples of emerging adults, who are at elevated risk for these outcomes. This study investigated relationships of food addiction with weight outcomes, weight perception, and weight-control behaviors in emerging adults and estimated the population attributable fraction to food addiction. Data from an observational cohort study were collected in seven annual waves from 2010 to 2016. A nationally representative sample of 2785 10th grade students was recruited from schools within each U.S. census region (73% participation) (mean ± SD baseline age = 16.3 ± 0.5years). Wave 7 retention was 81% (n = 2323, 60% female, mean ± SD = 22.6 ± 0.5 years). Outcomes included current BMI, BMI change from baseline – wave 7, increased weight status in wave 7 (increased weight status from baseline-wave 7), perceived overweight, dieting, any weight-control behavior, and extreme weight-control behaviors. Food addiction was measured in wave 7 using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale. Relative risk of the outcomes associated with food addiction, and population attributable fraction, were estimated using adjusted log-binomial or robust Poisson regression analyses accounting for the complex survey design. Food addiction prevalence was 4.7%. Participants with food addiction were primarily females (91%); food addiction was uncorrelated with other sociodemographics. Food addiction was associated with 48%–167% increased RR for all outcomes, but these were attenuated after adjustment for confounders (31%–64%). The population attributable fraction for food addiction ranged from 2% (high wave 7 BMI) – 5% (extreme weight-control behaviors). Although the population attributable fraction estimates indicate that the public health burden of these outcomes attributable to food addiction may be relatively minor, food addiction may signal the presence of several adverse mental health symptoms.

Exploring sub-threshold food addiction in adult patients with severe obesity: a cross-sectional analysis

Background Most studies on Food Addiction (FA) used the strict classical diagnosis approach without quantifying sub-threshold symptoms (i.e. uncontrolled/excessive food intake, negative affect, craving, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite harm) nor indicating where they stand on the “three-stage addiction cycle” modeling the transition from substance use to addiction. Objectives (1) to estimate the proportion of clinically significant episodes of distress/impairment in severely obese patients without FA, and (2) to assess their associations with FA symptoms at the subthreshold level. Methods The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) assesses 11 symptoms (diagnostic criteria) plus clinically significant impairment and distress (clinical significance criterion). We used this tool to diagnose FA (≥ 2 criteria plus clinical significance) in adult patients with severe obesity, but included only those below the threshold in the analyses. Demographics, clinical features, and obesity complications were collected. Results Only 18% of the 192 participants (women n = 148, 77.1%; mean age: 43.0 ± 13.2) reported a total absence of FA symptoms, while one in four reported recurrent episodes of clinically significant distress (24%) or impairment (25%) in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The most common recurrent symptoms were first-stage symptoms (binge/intoxication), while second- (withdrawal/negative affect) and third-stage (preoccupation/anticipation) symptoms affected nearly one patient in five for tolerance and craving, and one in ten for withdrawal. In multivariate analysis, impairment was positively related to withdrawal and tolerance, while distress was positively related to failure in role obligations. Conclusion Many patients with severe obesity experience recurrent episodes of FA symptoms at the subthreshold level. Prospective studies will examine whether these symptoms may play a causal role in symptoms progression toward a full-blown FA and obesity outcomes.

Co-occurrence of habit-forming risk behaviors and their socio-demographic, health status and lifestyle determinants: a population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough habit-forming risk behaviors frequently co-occur, determinants of concurrent risk behaviors have rarely been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate socio-demographic, health status, and lifestyle determinants of single versus concurrent risk behaviors in general-population adults.MethodsWe analyzed data from 32,622 participants (74.5% female; mean age = 57.9 ± 14.2 years) of the NutriNet-Santé cohort who completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the 12-item Cigarette Dependence Scale, the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, and the Internet Addiction Test in 2021–2022. Using established cutoffs, participants were first split into 2 groups (presence versus absence) for each risk variable (alcohol use disorders, nicotine dependence, food addiction, Internet addiction) and were then divided into 3 groups (no risk behavior, 1 risk behavior (reference), and ≥ 2 risk behaviors). The association between socio-demographic, health status, and lifestyle exposures and individual/concurrent risk behaviors were investigated with polytomous logistic regression.ResultsYounger age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI: 1.62–2.56), current financial difficulties (OR = 1.29; CI: 1.08–1.54), self-perceived poor health (OR = 1.70; CI: 1.32–2.20), overall poor dietary quality (OR = 2.88; CI: 2.06–4.02), being underweight (OR = 1.46; CI: 1.05–2.04), having obesity (OR = 1.62; CI: 1.31–1.99), lack of affection during childhood (OR = 1.41; CI: 1.18–1.69), and a lifetime prevalence or medication use for a mental disorder (OR = 1.46; CI: 1.24–1.73) were positively associated with having ≥ 2 versus 1 risk behavior (all p < 0.05). The comparison of none versus 1 risk behavior revealed the same determinants in addition to having a higher education, being physically active at work, and being overweight.ConclusionsWe investigated determinants of concurrent habit-forming risk behaviors among adults in a large, population-based study. The findings could serve as impetus for future research in this domain and ultimately help guide addiction prevention efforts.

Assessing Discriminant Validity through Structural Equation Modeling: The Case of Eating Compulsivity.

Food addiction (FA) and disordered eating behaviors related to obesity are gaining attention in clinical and research fields. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS2.0) is the gold standard questionnaire to measure FA, while another tool is the Measure of Eating Compulsivity 10 (MEC10). Discriminant validity is present when two measures of similar but distinct constructs show a correlation that is low enough for the factors to be regarded as distinct. However, the discriminant validity of these measures has never been tested. Through a cross-sectional study design, 717 inpatients (females: 56.20%, age: 53.681 ± 12.74) with severe obesity completed the MEC10, Binge Eating Scale (BES), and mYFAS2.0. A structural equation model (SEM) was fitted, freely estimating latent correlations with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The results confirmed the scales' excellent psychometric properties. Importantly, latent factor correlations between MEC10 and mYFAS2.0 (est = 0.783, 95% CI [0.76, 0.80]) supported their discriminant validity. In contrast, the latent correlation of MEC10 and BES (est = 0.86, 95% CI [0.84, 0.87]) exceeded the recommended thresholds, indicating the absence of discriminant validity and suggesting a potential overlap, consistent with previous evidence. In conclusion, MEC10 demonstrates excellent psychometric properties but is more a measure of BED and not FA.

Confirmatory factor analysis and gender invariance of Persian version of the modified Yale food addiction scale (mPYFAS) 2.0: insight from a large scale Iranian sample

BackgroundThe Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) was developed with the primary objective of evaluating food addiction (FA). The present study aimed to undertake the translation, pilot testing, and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the mYFAS 2.0 within the Persian-speaking population.MethodsThe transcultural adaptation of the mYFAS 2.0 to the Persian language was conducted. Data collection was carried out through an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed the Persian versions of the mYFAS 2.0, Binge Eating Scale (BES), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The assessment encompassed the evaluation of internal consistency reliability, factor structure, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the aforementioned questionnaires.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed that the single-factor model of the Persian translation of mYFAS 2.0 performed satisfactorily, with comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) values exceeding 0.95, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) less than or equal to 0.09, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) below 0.03. The internal consistency and composite reliability of the mYFAS 2.0 were favorable in the entire sample, as well as in both male and female groups, with alpha (α) values of 0.83, ordinal alpha (αord) of 0.93, and composite reliability (CR) of 0.86. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between the total score of BES (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), BIS-11 (r = − 0.16, p < 0.001), and CD-RISC (r = 0.22, p < 0.001) with mYFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence, severity, and symptom count.ConclusionsThe Persian version of the mYFAS 2.0 exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with food addiction in Brazilian women living in poverty.

Food addiction (FA) has been widely investigated. For the first time, two studies reported its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the general population and populations with mental disorders and undergoing bariatric surgery. However, the relationship between FA and DM2 needs to be better explored in different social contexts and population groups. Given this, the present study aims to evaluate whether DM2 diagnosis is associated with FA diagnosis in women living in poverty. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in a Brazilian capital city. FA was assessed by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS) 2.0, and DM2 diagnosis was assessed by self-reporting of previous medical diagnosis. The association was assessed by multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimation adjusted for age, poverty situation, race/skin colour, physical activity and BMI. A total of 1878 women were included, of whom 15·1 % had FA and 3·2 % had a medical diagnosis of DM2. In the multivariable analysis, the medical diagnosis of DM2 was associated with FA (prevalence ratio, PR: 2·18; 95 % CI (1·26, 3·76)). The DM2 diagnosis was also identified to be associated with role interference (PR: 1·93; 95 % CI (1·01, 3·67)) symptom of FA. In conclusion, a positive association between FA and DM2 in women living in poverty was observed, information that adds to the current evidence already available in the literature, pointing to a new line of research and integrated care.

Does how individuals handle social situations exacerbate the relationship between physique anxiety and food addiction? The role of emotional expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress.

Research on food addiction has increased significantly in recent years. It has been demonstrated that food addiction can lead to impairments in physiological, psychological, and social functioning in individuals. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the influence of how individuals handle social situations on food addiction and the specific mechanisms involved. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,151 university students, with a mean age of 21.44 (SD=4.77) years. The sample comprised 74.46% female and 25.54% male students. Participants completed the Chinese version of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, the Expressive Suppression Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and the Process (Version 3.4) plug-in. The results of the study supported our hypothesis that the association between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms could be partially explained by expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress. This association remained significant even after adjusting for covariates such as gender, number of cigarettes smoked per day, bedtime, education, and BMI. Specifically, more severe social physique anxiety was found to be associated with frequent use of expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress, which in turn was associated with more severe food addiction symptoms. This study explored the role of expression suppression and social avoidance and distress in the relationship between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms. The findings provide a theoretical basis for developing interventions for food addiction in college students. These interventions could include helping students develop a healthy perception of body image, encouraging emotional expression, and promoting active social participation to reduce food addiction symptoms.

Food Insecurity and Food Addiction in a Large, National Sample of Lower-Income Adults

BackgroundGrowing research has highlighted associations between food insecurity and eating-related problems. Food addiction is one important, clinically significant pattern of problematic eating, which is related to, but distinct from, eating disorders. To date, there is only one study examining the association between food insecurity and food addiction, to our knowledge. Additional research is needed to understand the complexities of this association. ObjectiveWe examined the association between food insecurity and food addiction in a large, national convenience sample of lower-income adults and potential heterogeneity in this association by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. DesignA cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among 1780 US adults (≥18 y) with household incomes <250% of the federal poverty guideline. Household food security was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module. Food addiction was assessed using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), version 2.0. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the associations between food insecurity and food addiction, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. ResultsThe prevalence of food addiction was 7.3%, and the prevalence of food insecurity was 51%. Compared with adults with food security, adults with food insecurity endorsed each mYFAS symptom with significantly greater frequency, including failure to fulfill major role obligations (20%), continued use despite social or interpersonal problems (18%), and craving or strong desire to use (16%). After adjustment, food insecurity was associated with 3.82-fold higher odds of food addiction (95% CI 2.36, 6.19), with no significant heterogeneity by age, gender, or race and ethnicity. The most problematic foods reported by adults with food insecurity were chips, nondiet soda, chocolate, pizza, and ice cream. ConclusionThese findings provide additional support for the association between food insecurity and food addiction. Mechanistic studies are needed to explore the role of psychosocial factors, eating behaviors, and the food environment in contributing to these associations.

Examining the proportions of food addiction among women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome who do and do not take hormonal birth control

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder driven by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may increase weight gain and increase the rewarding intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Individuals with PCOS may be more susceptible to the reinforcing properties of UPFs, increasing the risk to consume UPFs in addictive-like ways, operationalized by food addiction (FA). Additionally, hormonal birth control, commonly prescribed to women with PCOS, are found to increase food cravings and overeating. This study examined the relationships between PCOS status, FA, and hormonal birth control use. The study sample (N = 365, assigned female at birth) was drawn from Amazon Mechanical Turk, with half of the sample (n = 181) reporting having PCOS and the other half not (n = 184). Participants answered questions about women's reproductive health (i.e., PCOS, hormonal birth control use) and completed the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0). A chi-square test found that 51.9 % of participants with PCOS (M = 6.23, SD = 3.82) met diagnostic criteria for FA (assessed by the mYFAS 2.0) compared to 16.8 % of participants without PCOS (M = 2.47, SD = 3.39). A hierarchical linear regression found independent main effects of PCOS status (β = 0.40, t(352) = 8.61, p < .001) and hormonal birth control use (β = 0.16, t(351) = 3.59, p < .001), to be associated with higher mYFAS symptom count scores. No differences were found between the types of hormonal birth control participants reported taking. The finding suggests that FA is an overlooked, understudied psychological condition impacting these individuals in weight loss treatments. Future studies are needed to understand the relationship between FA and PCOS in clinical samples.

Understanding food addiction in Post-Bariatric patients

This study delves into the construct validity of Food Addiction (FA) as evaluated by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) within the context of post-bariatric surgery patients in Brazil. Understanding the prevalence, characteristics, and construct validity of FA among individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery is crucial for enhancing patient care and advancing research in this field. Our findings are based on a convenience-based sample of 100 individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery at Hospital Estadual Mário Covas (HEMC) in Brazil. Using mYFAS 2.0, we found that 51% of the participants met the criteria for FA, with 31% classified as severely affected. In our investigation of construct validity, we confirmed a one-dimensional model, in line with prior research using the YFAS and its modified versions. Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses further confirmed the appropriateness of the mYFAS 2.0 items, with all criteria contributing to the latent structure, most exhibiting discrimination values exceeding 0.5, and the majority having values greater than 2. These results provide substantial support for the construct validity of mYFAS 2.0 in our Brazilian subpopulation of post-bariatric surgery patients. Comparative analyses with previous studies revealed a notably higher prevalence of FA in our population, suggesting potential differences between pre- and post-bariatric surgery groups. This study contributes unique insights into the assessment of FA among post-surgery patients and highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in this population. While this study advances our understanding of FA in post-bariatric surgery patients, certain limitations, such as the relatively small sample size and cross-sectional design, warrant consideration. Nevertheless, our findings hold valuable implications for healthcare providers, researchers, and patients in the field of bariatric surgery and FA management. Future research can build upon these foundations to explore long-term FA effects post-surgery and potential interventions to address this issue effectively.

Evaluation of the relationship between food addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress in university students: A cross-sectional survey.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between food addiction (FA) and depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) in university students. The research was conducted with 362 university students who met the study criteria and volunteered to participate in the study. The study data were collected using a personal information form, the modified Yale food addiction scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). It was determined that 40% of the students participating in the study had FA. The mean score of students with FA on the DASS-21 scale was determined as 25.90 ± 14.56and the scores they received from the anxiety, depression, and stress subdimension as (8.14 ± 5.57, 9.04 ± 5.46, 8.72 ± 5.60, respectively). The scores of students without FA from the anxiety, depression, and stress subdimension, where the mean score of the DASS-21 scale is 14.79 ± 12.72, were determined as (4.67 ± 4.48, 4.98 ± 4.96, 5.13 ± 5.05, respectively). It was found that the mean scores of participants with FA were higher than those without FA, and the difference between the groups was determined statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rates of DAS of students with FA were found to be higher compared to those without FA. In the treatment of FA in clinical services, nurses and other health professionals should identify and treat psychiatric comorbidities associated with FA, such as depression and anxiety.

Association between food addiction with ultra-processed food consumption and eating patterns in a Brazilian sample

The study objectives were to determine whether consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and eating patterns are associated with food addiction (FA) in a Brazilian sample. This is a cross-sectional study. The Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System tool assessed food consumption markers and dietary patterns. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 was used to determine FA. 5946 participants were included with a mean age of 24 ± 6 years, and 4371 (73.5%) were female. After statistical adjustments for confounders, individuals with FA had lower consumption of fresh fruits (PR: 0.88; 95%CI: [0.79; 0.97]), vegetables (PR: 0.87; 95%CI: [0.79; 0.97]), and beans (PR: 0.85; 95%CI: [0.77; 0.95]). They also had higher consumption of UPF: hamburgers/sausages (PR: 1.15; 95%CI: [1.04; 1.27]), instant noodles, packaged snacks, and/or salty cookies (PR: 1.27; 95%CI: [1.13; 1.42]), and sandwich cookies, sweets, and/or treats (PR: 1.26; 95%CI: [1.14; 1.40]). Positive associations between FA and having meals in front of the screen (PR: 1.48; 95%CI: [1.28; 1.71]) and having a late-night snack (PR: 1.24; 95%CI: [1.11; 1.39]) remained. The negative association between FA and skipping breakfast (PR: 0.76; 95%CI: [0.68; 0.85]) also remained. These eating patterns may contribute to FA, which could be potential targets for clinical intervention.

Food addiction and its relationship with other eating behaviours among Spanish university students

BackgroundFood addiction (FA) is characterised by symptoms such as loss of control over food consumption, inability to reduce consumption despite the desire to do so, and continued consumption despite negative consequences. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) is a widely used instrument to assess FA.ObjectivesTo validate the Spanish mYFAS 2.0; to analyse the relationships between FA with other eating behaviours, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index (BMI); and to test the eating-related variables that account for the variance in FA.MethodsThe sample consisted of 400 university students (Mage = 24.16, SDage = 6.12; 51% female), who completed the mYFAS 2.0 and measures of eating-related constructs.ResultsA confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the one-factor structure of the mYFAS 2.0. The scale showed good internal consistency (α = .78), and good convergent validity with the mYFAS. FA was related to eating styles, binge eating, and bulimia. No differences in FA were observed between males and females, and there was no association between FA and BMI. In addition, younger participants scored higher on FA than older participants. The eating-related variables explain 54.7% of the variance in FA.ConclusionsThe mYFAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable scale to assess FA in the Spanish population. The positive and significant relationship of variables related to eating (eating styles, binge eating and bulimia) with FA was demonstrated. These variables were indicated by those at high risk of FA.

Sex-specific associations of different risk behaviors with socio-demographic, health status and lifestyle factors

IntroductionKnowledge about concurrent substance use and other risk behaviors - as well as their determinants - in the general population is insufficient.ObjectivesTo investigated socio-demographic, health status, and lifestyle determinants of habit-forming risk behaviors among French men and women.MethodsWe analyzed data collected in 2021–2022 from 32,622 participants (74.5% female; mean age=57.9±14.2 years) of the NutriNet-Santé web-cohort who had completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the 12-item Cigarette Dependence Scale, the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, and the Internet Addiction Test. Using established cutoff values, participants were first split into 2 groups (Yes/No) for each risk behavior (alcohol use disorders, nicotine dependence, food addiction, and Internet addiction) and then placed into 3 groups (no risk behavior, 1 risk behavior (reference), and ≥2 risk behaviors) before fitting polytomous logistic regression models according to sex.ResultsYounger age (Odds Ratio: ORmale=2.07; ORfemale=2.04), self-perceived poor health (ORmale=2.06; ORfemale=1.61), having obesity (OR=1.56; ORfemale=1.30), lack of affection during childhood (ORmale=1.56; ORfemale=1.39), and a lifetime prevalence or medication use for a mental disorder (ORmale=1.73; ORfemale=1.38) were significantly associated with having ≥2 versus 1 habit-forming risk behavior in both sexes (all p&lt;0.05). Results for experiencing current financial difficulties (ORfemale=1.34), self-perceived poor dietary quality (ORfemale=3.23), being underweight (ORfemale=1.58) and overweight (ORfemale=1.30) were significant only in females (all p&lt;0.05). The same factors plus current e-cigarette use (ORmale=0.54; ORfemale=0.77) in both sexes, having a higher educational attainment (ORfemale=0.75), being physically active at work (ORfemale=0.78) in females were inversely associated with having none versus 1 risk behavior (all p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to explore determinants of concurrent habit-forming risk behaviors among men and women in a large, population-based study. The findings could serve as impetus for future research in this domain and ultimately help guide addiction prevention efforts.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared