Version Of Yale Food Addiction Scale Research Articles

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.

Food Knowledge, Habits, Practices, and Addiction Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Investigation.

Changing lifestyles and food habits have an impact on both nutrient requirements and intake among adolescents. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, habits, practices, and the presence of food addiction among adolescents residing in Damanhur City. A descriptive correlational study design is employed to collect data from 363 adolescents selected conveniently from two youth centers in Damanhur, Egypt. Four tools are used: a demographic questionnaire, the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC), the General Nutritional Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (GNKQ), and the Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0). The age of the participating adolescents ranges from 10 to 19 years. More than half of the participants (51.8%) reported choosing low-fat foods. Additionally, around one-third of the adolescents (34.7%) meet the diagnostic criteria for food addiction. However, there is no statistically significant association found between food addiction and adolescents' eating habits and practices. Most of the studied adolescents exhibit unhealthy eating practices. Food addiction is identified as a significant health concern among this population. Therefore, it is highly recommended to provide nutritional education for adolescents and their families and implement school-based strategies to promote healthy eating habits.

The Relationship Between Internet Usage Style and Internet Addiction and Food Addiction in Obese Children Compared to Healthy Children.

The frequency of using the internet and social media increases in childhood, which leads to a decrease in physical activity. We aimed to investigate the effects of such technological applications on the internet and food addiction in obese and nonobese children. A total of 180 obese and 180 nonobese children were included in this study. Turkish version of the Parent-Child Internet Addiction Scale and Dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 for Children were applied. The frequency of internet addiction in the sample was 1.7%. The mean internet addiction scores of males were found to be significantly higher than females (34.9 ± 20.6, 26 ± 17.2; P < .001). Children, who used the internet for information and homework had significantly lower internet addiction scores and food addiction scores, respectively (P = .002, P = .009). Watching movies, TV series, or sports events (P < .001, P = .009); following food recipes, campaigns, or advertisements (P = .04, P < .001); and eating snacks in front of the screen (P < .001, P < .001) were found to cause higher internet addiction scores and food addiction scores. It was observed that body mass index showed a positive and significant correlation with internet addiction scores and food addiction scores. Internet addiction and social media applications were found to be significantly related. Considering the relationship between body mass index and addiction, the effect of internet usage style and internet addiction and food addiction on obesity is striking.

Food addiction behaviour and family relationship : about 360 cases

IntroductionFor several years, strong theoretical and clinical links have been established between intra-family relationships and eating disorders.ObjectivesTo study intra-family relationships in adolescent with food addictive behaviour.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted among a sample of adolescents randomly collected in 6 schools in the region of Sfax-Tunisia, during the month of February 2022. The food addiction symptomatology was assessed by the “Dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 For Children” (dYFAS-C 2.0) and the family attitude was studied by the “Brief Family Relationship Scale” (BFRS) which evaluates three dimensions: cohesion, expressiveness and conflict, each having a separate score. Both scales are validated in Arabic.ResultsThe study involved 360 high school students, with a mean age of 16.62 +/- 0.822 years. The sex ratio was 1.09.The total score for food addiction symptomatology in our sample ranged from 0 to 56 with an average of 16.37 +/- 12.380.Of the three dimensions of the quality of intra-family relationships studied, conflict had the highest mean score: 25.29+/-9.027.A high food dependence score was significantly related to these three dimensions of the intrafamily relationship: lack of conflict (p=0.044), cohesion (p=0.011) and expressiveness (p=0.005) presence.ConclusionsThe present study shows that the symptomatology of food addiction is influenced by the quality of the intra-family relationship.Enhanced perception of the family environment and involvement of the family in possible care can help to prevent the onset of eating disorders and to plan an appropriate intervention.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Validity And Reliability Of The Turkish Version Of The Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0

Introduction and aim: Randolph first proposed the concept of food addiction (FA) in 1956, but it has become more emphasized with the spread of obesity in recent years. In this study, we aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the modified Yale food addiction scale version 2.0, which has been developed to evaluate the substance use disorder criteria in DSM V in 2017 in terms of food addiction.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The methodological and descriptive study was performed in seven family medicine units between June 2017 and March 2018. A total of 271 people was included in the study, and the questionnaire was asked to answer a total of 32 questions, including 13 questions about phrasing, socio-demographic characteristics, habits, current diseases, and 19 questions about weight. In statistical analyses, the validity of the scale was tested for language validity, content validity, factor validity, and construct validity. In the reliability analysis, internal consistency and time invariance of the scale against time were evaluated. A p-value of

Sequentially mediated effects of weight-related self-stigma and psychological distress in the association between perceived weight stigma and food addiction among Taiwanese university students: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundWeight-related stigma has negative physiological and psychological impacts on individuals’ quality of life. Stigmatized individuals may experience higher psychological distress and therefore increase the potential risk to develop obesity and/or food addiction. The present study examined the associations and mediated effect between perceived weight stigma, weight-related self-stigma, and psychological distress in explaining food addiction among Taiwanese university students.MethodsAll participants (n = 968) completed an online survey which included the Perceived Weight Stigma Questionnaire, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21, and Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.ResultsAfter controlling for demographic variables, significant associations were found in the paths from (1) perceived weight stigma to weight-related self-stigma (beta = 0.23), psychological distress (beta = 0.35), and food addiction (beta = 0.23); (2) weight-related self-stigma to psychological distress (beta = 0.52) and food addiction (beta = 0.59); and (3) psychological distress to food addiction (beta = 0.59) (all p-values < 0.001). The mediation model showed the sequential mediated effect of weight-related self-stigma and psychological distress in the association between perceived weight stigma and food addiction.ConclusionsThe results provide novel insights that weight-related self-stigma and psychological distress sequentially mediated the relationship between perceived weight stigma and food addiction among Taiwanese university students. The findings of the present study could be implemented into interventions that aim to reduce food addiction derived from weight-related stigma. Future studies should consider group analysis to consider confounding factors or other populations to provide more evidence regarding the mechanism of weight-related stigma.

Psychometric assessment of Persian translation of Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) in Iranian college students

BackgroundFood addiction at the individual level causes physical and mental health problems, impairs individuals' social functioning, and causes dysfunction in the family system. Therefore, a tool to identify this behavioral disorder is one of the health requirements of communities. This research aimed to investigate the psychometric assessment of the Persian translation of Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) in Iranian college students.MethodThis research was cross-sectional descriptive, and 451 students were selected by convenience sampling method. Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait, reduced (FCQ-T-r) were used to collect data.ResultsThe confirmatory factor analysis indicated that single-factor model provides a good fit to data (SRMR = 0.078; CFI = 0.94; NFI = 0.92; IFI = 0.94; RFI = 0.91; GFI = 0.90; RMSEA = 0.078). The YFAS's 2.0 positive correlations with three DASS-21 subscales ranged from 0.30 to 0.39, and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait, reduced (FCQ-T-r) ranged from 0.58 to 0.72. All correlations were statistically significant, indicating acceptable convergent validity (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe validity of the Persian questionnaire translation has been confirmed. Researchers and specialists can use this scale to diagnose food addiction for research or diagnostic purposes in Iranian society.

Prevalence of food addiction and its association with lifestyle factors in undergraduate students from Northwest Mexico

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of food addiction (FA) in undergraduate students from Northwest Mexico and to examine its association with lifestyle factors, eating behaviors and food consumption.Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 326 undergraduate students, both sexes, between 18 and 25 years of age, who were enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a public or private university in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. FA was assessed using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0). Lifestyle (sleep patterns, physical exercise, alcohol intake, and smoking) and nutritional information (eating behaviors and food frequency consumption) was obtained through a clinical history. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to assess the factors associated with FA.Results: The whole prevalence of FA was 12.9%. In general, mild FA was the most frequent (5.2%), followed by severe (4.3%) and moderate (3.4%) categories. In the multivariate model, insomnia conferred a higher risk for FA (OR = 2.08, 95% CI, 1.04–4.17, p = 0.040), while the habitual consumption of fruits showed a protective effect (OR = 0.50, 95% CI, 0.25–0.98, p = 0.046). Overall, the model predicted FA in 12% (R2=0.12, p = 0.011).Conclusion: The prevalence of FA is 12.9% among undergraduate students from Northwest Mexico. Although caution should be exercised, insomnia seems to increase the risk of FA, while the habitual consumption of fruits appears to have a protective role. Additional studies are needed to validate these results.

Validation and Psychological Properties of the Persian Version of DSM 5 Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (PYFAS 2.0) in Non-clinical Population.

The Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is used for the assessment of food addiction (FA). This research intended to evaluate the validity of the Persian translation of the questionnaire and to investigate the psychological properties and the association between FA and anthropometric indices. In a sample of 473 nonclinical participants, FA, binge eating, and objectively measured anthropometric indices were assessed. Internal consistency, convergent, and validity of the PYFAS 2.0 were examined. Also, the factor structure (confirmatory factor analysis following the 11 diagnostic indicators in addition to the significant distress) and the construct of the scale were evaluated. The frequencies of mild, moderate, and severe FA based on PYFAS 2.0 were 0.2%, 10%, and 5.5%, respectively. The findings supported a one-factor structure. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good construct validity (RMSEA=0.043, χ2=76.38, df=41, χ2 (CMIN)/df=1.862, GFI=0.975, AGFI=0.957, IFI=0.986, RFI=0.958, ECVI=0.319, TLI=0.978). For both the diagnostic and symptom count versions, the PYFAS 2.0 presented acceptable internal consistency (IC) (Kuder-Richardson 20=0.99 and McDonald omega=0.91). The PYFAS 2.0 was a psychometrically sound instrument in an Iranian non-clinical population. This questionnaire can be used to study FA in Persian non-clinical populations. Future research should study the psychometric characteristics of this scale in high-risk groups.

The association between adult ADHD and food addiction: A mediation analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between food addiction severity (FA) and ADHD symptomatology. Furthermore, we investigated whether emotional distress, and the mentalization deficits could mediate this relationship. MethodsThree hundred eighty-five Italian adults (307 women and 78 men) participated in the study and completed the Italian versions of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 and the Mentalization Questionnaire. ResultsADHD symptoms severity and general distress were significantly and independently associated with FA. Emotional distress partly mediated the relationship between FA and ADHD symptoms severity. In addition, mentalization deficits partly mediated this relationship only when evaluating the influence of FA on ADHD symptoms severity. LimitationsThis is a cross-sectional study and causal interpretations of the relationships among the variables are speculative. ConclusionsIt is important to assess emotional distress and mentalization deficits in individuals at risk of ADHD and FA because these conditions could increase the risk for the presence of disordered eating patterns.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (C-mYFAS 2.0): Prevalence of food addiction and relationship with resilience and social support.

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (C-mYFAS 2.0) and to analyze the prevalence of food addiction among Chinese college students and its relationship with resilience and social support. A total of 1132 Chinese college students completed the C-mYFAS 2.0, BES, EAT-26, PHQ-9, GAD-7, TFEQ-18, CD-RISC-10, and PSSS. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the factor structure of the C-mYFAS 2.0 and psychometric properties were assessed. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a sub-sample (n = 62). Spearman correlation and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between resilience, social support, and food addiction. The prevalence of food addiction according to the C-mYFAS 2.0 was 6.2%. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested a single-factor structure (comparative fit index = 0.961).The C-mYFAS 2.0 had good test-retest reliability and internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson's α = 0.824). Good convergent validity was indicated by correlations with binge eating, eating disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and BMI (ps < 0.001). Appropriate divergent validity was reflected by no association with cognitive restraint. Finally, binge eating was significantly predicted by C-mYFAS 2.0, depressive symptoms, and eating disorder symptoms (ps < 0.001), confirming incremental validity. In addition, our study found that poorer resilience and social support were related to food addiction (ps < .001). The C-mYFAS 2.0 is a brief but reliable and valid screening instrument for food addiction among Chinese college students. In addition, we found that resilience and social support were negatively associated with food addiction. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Development of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 summary version in a representative sample of Czech population

BackgroundFood addiction receives attention because of its participation in the rising obesity prevalence that affects the quality of life. The Czech Republic’s prevalence of obesity belongs to the highest in Europe.MethodsWe used the nationally representative non-clinical sample of 1841 respondents (N = 1841; 48,8% of men and 51.2% of women). Participants filled the sociodemographic questionnaire, Czech version of mYFAS 2.0 and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) to test the hypothesis.ResultsConfirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the single-factor model of Czech version of mYFAS 2.0 had adequate fit indices (χ2 (55) = 9670.8, p < 0.001; CFI, TLI > 0.95; SRMR < 0.07; and RMSEA < 0.08). The sample reliability in our research corresponded to Cronbach’s α = 0.89 (95% CI 0.88–0.90). The youngest population (aged 15–19) had a significantly higher score of mYFAS 2.0, than the older age groups. People living alone scored significantly higher than the married respondents. The middle-income groups scored significantly lower in mYFAS 2.0 than the lowest income group. Occasional (social) smokers showed a higher mYFAS 2.0 score in comparison with non-smokers. A difference regarding attachment styles has also been revealed, respondents characterized by insecure attachment styles showed a higher YFAS score.ConclusionThe findings reinforce future work on the Czech version of mYFAS 2.0, including validation and using mYFAS 2.0 to explore food addiction and its related variables and attachment styles in the Czech environment.

Development of the Highly Processed Food Withdrawal Scale for Children

IntroductionHighly processed foods (with added fats and/or refined carbohydrates) may trigger an addictive-like process, including withdrawal when these foods are reduced. Withdrawal is marked by affective, cognitive, and physical symptoms that may hinder dietary change. A recently developed scale of highly processed food withdrawal in adults (ProWS) provides evidence for this construct. Children commonly consume highly processed foods, but no measures currently exist to examine highly processed food withdrawal in children. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure (ProWS-C) to assess for signs of highly processed food withdrawal in children. MethodsParents who had recently attempted to reduce their child's highly processed food consumption were recruited through an online crowdsourcing platform. 304 parents (56.9% mothers) reported on their 3-11-year-old children (63.8% male). The ProWS-C was designed to reflect parents' observations of child behavior. Internal consistency and validity were evaluated using the Dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 for Children (dYFAS-C 2.0.), Children's Food Neophobia Scale-Modified (CFNS), and body mass index (BMI) silhouettes. ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure with 21 items (α = 0.94). The ProWS-C demonstrated convergent validity with more child food addiction symptoms (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and higher child BMI (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity with child food neophobia (r = −0.10, p = 0.08). The ProWS-C was associated with less success in reducing child highly processed food intake independent of child addictive-like eating and BMI (p = 0.001). DiscussionThe ProWS-C provides preliminary evidence for highly processed food withdrawal in children and appears to be a psychometrically sound tool for assessing parent-reported withdrawal symptoms in children. Illuminating specific challenges families face when reducing highly processed foods may improve parents’ ability to help their children make sustainable dietary changes.

Symptoms of ‘food addiction’ in binge eating disorder using the Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0

‘Food addiction’ refers to the idea that certain highly palatable foods can trigger an addictive-like process in susceptible individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of ‘food addiction’ symptoms in binge eating disorder (BED) using the second version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0). Participants were 71 individuals with BED and 79 individuals with no history of an eating disorder (NED). The Eating Disorder Examination 17.0 (EDE) was used to diagnose BED and to measure binge eating. Participants completed self-report measures of eating disorder psychopathology, psychological distress, and the YFAS 2.0. Results indicated that the BED group reported significantly higher ‘food addiction’ scores compared to the NED group after controlling for relevant covariates. In fact, 92% of the BED group met YFAS 2.0 criteria for at least mild ‘food addiction’ compared to only 6% of the NED group. BED participants who met criteria for Moderate/Severe ‘food addiction’ reported significantly higher eating disorder psychopathology (except dietary restraint) as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression than BED participants with No/Mild ‘food addiction’. Scores on the YFAS 2.0 positively predicted binge frequency, but not global eating disorder psychopathology, in the BED group after controlling for body mass index (BMI), depression and anxiety. The high rate of ‘food addiction’ symptoms in the BED group may reflect overlap between the symptoms assessed by the YFAS 2.0 and the clinical features of BED. A focus on identifying overlapping and distinctive underlying mechanisms rather than similarities and differences in clinical features might be a more fruitful avenue for future research on BED and ‘food addiction’.

Psychometric properties of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 in an Italian non-clinical sample.

To assess the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) in an Italian non-clinical sample. 262 adults (184 women) were administered the Italian versions of the mYFAS 2.0, and questionnaires measuring binge eatingseverity, anxiety and depressionsymptoms, and emotional dysregulation. 15 individuals (5.7%) met the criteria for a diagnosis of food addiction according to the mYFAS 2.0. Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis supported a single-factor solution for the mYFAS 2.0. The mYFAS 2.0 had good internal consistency (Ordinal α = 0.91), and convergent validity with binge eating severity (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), both anxiety (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and depressive (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) symptoms, and difficulties in emotion regulation (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Finally, both discriminant validity with dietary restraint (Gamma = 0.11; p = 0.52) and incremental validity in predicting binge eating severity over emotion dysregulation and psychopathology (b = 0.52; t = 11.11; p < 0.001) were confirmed. The Italian mYFAS 2.0 has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used as a brief instrument for the assessment of addictive eating behaviors when time constraints prevent the use of the original version. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Food addiction and preoperative weight loss achievement in patients seeking bariatric surgery.

Evidence suggests that food addiction (FA) is prevalent among individuals with obesity seeking bariatric surgery (BS), but there is no evidence about whether FA is a predictor of weight loss (WL). We aimed to analyse the prevalence of FA in patients with obesity seeking BS and to examine whether FA could predict WL following dietary intervention before surgery. The study included 110 patients with obesity who underwent a dietetic intervention. Assessment included endocrinological variables, a semistructured interview to rule out mental disorders, and Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0). In our sample, the prevalence of FA was 26.4%. Those who met YFAS 2.0 criteria showed less WL after dietetic intervention and regain weight during dietary intervention. FA appears to be prevalent in obesity. Our findings confirmed a lower WL throughout dietary intervention before surgery in patients who fulfilled baseline criteria for FA. Future interventions should include multidisciplinary intervention to maximize WL before and after BS.

Food addiction and impaired executive functions in women with obesity.

Individuals with obesity (OB) often report suffering from addiction-like symptoms. As in addictions, deficits in executive function domains, such as decision-making and sustained attention, are found in OB. No study to date has examined the associations between food addiction, OB, and neuropsychological performance. Thirty-three adult women with OB and 36 healthy weight controls completed the Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0, a validated instrument used to assess food-related addictive behaviours. Additionally, participants completed computerized versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Conners' Continuous Performance Test, second edition (CPT-II) to examine decision-making and attentional control, respectively. Food addiction criteria were met in 24.2% of the participants with OB and in 2.8% of the control group. In the OB group, food addiction severity levels were negatively correlated with overall scores on the IGT. Participants with OB meeting criteria for food addiction committed more omissions and perseveration errors on the CPT-II compared with those without food addiction. Our results point to an association between food addiction severity levels and impairments in decision-making and attentional capacity in individuals with OB. Given the heterogeneity found in OB, it stands to reason that this subset of patients with food addiction could potentially benefit from interventions targeting neuropsychological deficits.

Prevalence of food addiction (FA) diagnosed by the yale food addiction scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0): Prospective study in a referral centre for obesity surgery

Prevalence of food addiction (FA) diagnosed by the yale food addiction scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0): Prospective study in a referral centre for obesity surgery

Development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0.

Parallels in biological, psychological, and behavioral systems have led to the hypothesis that an addictive process may contribute to problematic eating. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was developed to provide a validated measure of addictive-like eating behavior based upon the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence. Recently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) was released, which included significant changes to the substance-related and addictive disorders (SRAD) section. In the current study, the YFAS 2.0 was developed to maintain consistency with the current diagnostic understanding of addiction and to improve the psychometric properties of the original YFAS. In a sample of 550 participants, 14.6% met criteria for food addiction. The YFAS 2.0 demonstrated good internal consistency, as well as convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. Elevated scores on the YFAS 2.0 were associated with higher rates of obesity and more severe pathological eating (e.g., binge eating). The YFAS 2.0 also appeared to capture a related, but unique construct relative to traditional eating disorders. In a separate sample of 209 participants, the YFAS and YFAS 2.0 were directly compared. Both versions of the YFAS were similarly associated with elevated body mass index, binge eating, and weight cycling. However, exceeding the food addiction threshold was more strongly associated with obesity for the YFAS 2.0 than the original YFAS. Thus, the YFAS 2.0 appears to by a psychometrically sound measure that reflects the current diagnostic understanding of addiction to further investigate the potential role of an addictive process in problematic eating behavior.

Supplemental Material for Development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0

Supplemental Material for Development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0