Yale Food Addiction Scale Research Articles

The association between sleep timing characteristics and food addiction in adolescents

ABSTRACT Previous research has repeatedly shown that social jetlag is accompanied by metabolic disorders and obesity. However, the mechanism of association between these phenomena has not been sufficiently studied. This study aims to test the hypothesis that social jetlag is associated with an increased incidence of eating disorders and thus increases the risk of metabolic disorders. The study included 11,535 adolescents (M ± SD 14.2 ± 1.6) aged 13–18 y, with girls accounting for 58.3%. The state of the circadian system and sleep function were assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), and food addiction was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (YFAS-C). Data obtained indicate that in adolescents with insufficient sleep (less than 8 h) (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.49–0.63) and late chronotype (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.12–1.38) the frequency of detection of food addiction is increased. A non-linear J-shaped association between social jetlag and food addiction was noted with a maximal detection rate of food addiction in schoolchildren with negative (p < 0.0001) and high (more than 2 h) social jetlag (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the frequency of detection of food addiction is increased in adolescents with insufficient sleep duration, late chronotype and negative social jetlag.

Behavioral addictions and psychological distress: Insights from psychology students in Eastern Turkey

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of behavioral addictions in undergraduate psychology students and create a risk profile for behavioral addictions based on these variables. A total of 329 (251 females and 78 males) psychology students from two different public universities were included in the study. Participants completed a socio-demographic data form, Exercise Dependence Scale-21, Internet Addiction Test, Compulsive Buying Scale, South Oaks Gambling Screen Test, Yale Food Addiction Scale, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The prevalence of food addiction was 21%, exercise addiction 5.5%, gambling addiction 3.3%, internet addiction 10.3%, and compulsive buying 10.3%. Behavioral addictions varied by demographics: compulsive buying and food addiction were more common in females, while exercise and gambling addictions were higher in males. Internet addiction showed no gender differences. Higher income was linked to increased compulsive buying. Furthermore, phobic anxiety was a predictor for internet addiction and food addiction; depression was a predictor for internet addiction; and paranoid ideation was a predictor for compulsive buying and internet addiction. The results of the current study have enhanced the understanding of the prevalence of behavioral addictions in undergraduate psychology students, as well as the underlying shared and distinct etiological factors for each of the behavioral addictions. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and intervention strategies for at-risk students in clinical settings, informing practitioners about the multifaceted nature of behavioral addictions and their psychological implications.

Association between executive function and food addiction among children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Association between executive function and food addiction among children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A Pilot Study on the Effect of Added Sugar on Response Inhibition: Event-Related Potentials in a Go/NoGo Task.

Background and Objectives: Added sugar usage has become an important public health issue nowadays. Therefore, the interest in studying the cognitive and emotional effects associated with sugar consumption has increased. The present study aimed to investigate how the intake of added sugar affects participants' impulsivity and cognitive functions monitored during the performance of a computerized Go/NoGo task. Materials and Methods: This study included 20 subjects (10 men and 10 women). Quantitative data for this study were collected via self-report questionnaires, including demographics, the Dietary Fat and Free Sugar-Short Questionnaire (DFS), the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0), and the Barratt impulsiveness scale-11 (BIS-11). Results: Event-related potentials (ERPs) were registered throughout this study. Comparing the results of psychophysiological and neuropsychological evaluations before and after the added sugar consumption reveals differences in ERPs. Specifically, the NoGo-P3 amplitude increased after the intake of added sugar. However, there were no behavioral differences between the two experimental sessions. Conclusions: Overall, the results of our study suggest that added sugar intake was associated with stronger neuronal firing in NoGo trials. One possible explanation for this could be the need for more cognitive endeavors for participants to successfully inhibit their response impulses after added sugar consumption.

The mediating and moderating effect of food addiction in the relationship between body image and loneliness

ABSTRACT Loneliness, as one of the most profound and universal emotional challenges faced by modern individuals, has become a focal point of scientific research. Particularly, negative body image and abnormal eating behaviors stand out as critical factors that contribute to loneliness. The complex and multidimensional effects of these factors on loneliness gain significance due to their impact on individuals’ mental health and social connections. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating and moderating roles of food addiction in the relationship between body image and loneliness. The sample of the study consisted of 345 individuals aged between 18 and 40, 229 of whom (66.4%) were female. Data were collected using the short -form UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Body Image Scale, and the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale. Hayes’ Model 4 was used to test the mediating role, while Hayes’ Model 1 was used to examine the moderating role. The findings of the study indicate that positive body image negatively predicts both loneliness and food addiction. Moreover, after controlling for gender, age, and income level, food addiction was found to act as a mediator in the relationship between body image and loneliness. Additionally, food addiction demonstrated a moderating effect on this relationship. In other words, negative body image can increase food addiction, which, in turn, amplifies feelings of loneliness. Conversely, reducing food addiction may alleviate feelings of loneliness by improving negative body image. These results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological effects of food addiction and the dynamic relationship between body image and loneliness.

Food addiction and associated factors in newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional comparison with siblings and healthy controls

BackgroundDespite the potential clinical and treatment relevance of food addiction (FA) among individuals with schizophrenia, the scientific literature on its characteristics and correlates within this population is sparse. Limited knowledge on FA in patients with schizophrenia may impede progress in developing effective treatments for pathological eating patterns and the common obesity and metabolic syndrome problems in this population. Considering these research gaps, the present study aimed to compare the nature and prevalence of FA symptoms among patients with first-episode schizophrenia, their siblings, and healthy controls. As a secondary objective, this study sought to examine the psychopathological correlates of FA in the patients’ group.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia, from January to June 2024. A total of 112 newly diagnosed, clinically stabilized patients with first-episode schizophrenia, 77 of their unaffected siblings and 78 healthy controls were included. FA was assessed using the modified version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS 2.0). The Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were administered to the patients’ group.ResultsFindings showed a higher prevalence of FA in the patient group (32.1%) compared to both siblings (13.0%) and controls (9.0%). Siblings had higher FA scores compared to controls (16.12 ± 4.95 versus 15.00 ± 6.09; p < 0.001). After Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, higher FA scores were significantly associated with less cognitive self-consciousness (Beta = − 0.54), older age (Beta = 0.45), and higher psychological distress (Beta = 0.63).ConclusionOur findings suggest that people with first-episode schizophrenia are likely to present with co-occurring FA, and experience associated distress. Findings also provide initial support for a possible connection between dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and FA in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting that cognitive self-consciousness may be a fundamental cognitive process in FA in this population. This may lend some theoretical and clinical implications for alleviating FA symptoms in schizophrenia.

The lived experience of Co-occurring food insecurity and food addiction: A qualitative study.

The lived experience of Co-occurring food insecurity and food addiction: A qualitative study.

Association between hedonic hunger and food addiction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Association between hedonic hunger and food addiction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Relationship Between Food Addiction, Night Eating Syndrome and Depression Level in University Students and Affecting Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye.

Food addiction, night eating, and depression levels alone have been associated with obesity and various chronic diseases in university students, but the relationship of these factors has been rarely mentioned in the literature. This research was conducted to determine the food addiction, night eating, and depression status of university students. The study consisted of 1009 (84.2% female, mean BMI 21.93 ± 3.42 kg/m2, 73.0% normal body weight) university students. Research data were collected using a web-based questionnaire, which included a personal information form about students' sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional habits and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height), the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Of the students, 15.2% had food addiction, 8.3% had night-eating syndrome, and 36.2% had moderate depression. Frequency of food addiction and night-eating syndrome were higher in those with moderate to severe depression and night-eating syndrome was higher in those with food addiction (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between mean YFAS, NEQ, and BDI scores in the general population and both genders (p < 0.001). Furthermore, BMI levels, having received psychological treatment, waking up and eating at night, and depression level increased the likelihood of food addiction, while waking up and eating at night, and depression levels increased the likelihood of night-eating syndrome. The findings of the study made a significant contribution to the literature in understanding food addiction, night eating, depression levels and their relationship with each other in university students. Multi-center studies in which the effects of these three factors are examined together should be conducted on different student populations. Students should be given training on healthy nutrition and mental health protection, and their awareness should be raised.

Emotional and behavioral problems associated with food addiction in children and adolescents with obesity.

Emotional and behavioral problems associated with food addiction in children and adolescents with obesity.

Psychological differences in food addiction and binge eating in a general Polish population

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of food addiction (FA) and binge eating (BE) in a general Polish population, to explore the differences between these constructs, and to examine psychological differences among FA, BE, and FA + BE groups. 2123 participants completed the questionnaires: Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, Binge Eating Scale, The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Life Events Checklist, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Short UPPS-P scale (impulsive traits), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale − 21 items. 492 participants reported clinically significant symptoms of FA, BE, or both. Spearman’s correlations, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to examine the relationships between variables. The present study showed that FA and BE symptoms are common in the adult sample. The FA, BE and FA + BE groups had higher scores than the control group for all variables included in the study. The FA + BE group presented a significantly higher level of behavioral and emotional symptoms, followed by the FA and the BE group with less severity of symptoms. This study supports the hypothesis of food addiction as a similar construct to BE. FA is a broader concept than BE, but individuals experiencing both indicated the greatest functional difficulties.

Binge eating behaviours are associated with recurrent weight gain after metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Recurrent weight gain (RWG) is a major post-operative challenge among metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients. Binge eating behaviours (BEB) and food addiction (FA) have been identified as significant predictors of post-MBS RWG. However, limited research has investigated their independent associations with post-MBS RWG. This cross-sectional study collected data via a self-reported questionnaire of post-MBS patient demographics and eating behaviours from a single-site academic obesity medicine program. The Binge Eating Scale and Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 collected data on BEB and FA exposure variables, respectively. ANOVA/chi-square tests determined bivariate associations with BEB and FA, while multivariable logistic regression models examined independent adjusted associations of BEB and FA with RWG% cut-offs. Of the 294 MBS patients (90.48% female, and 51.71% non-Hispanic white), 42.3% had BEB, 12.55% had severe FA, 7.36% moderate FA, and 7.36% mild FA. After adjustment, BEB was significantly associated with all magnitudes of post-MBS RWG, with the highest odds observed at 50% RWG [OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.45, 6.49; p = 0.003]. FA was not significantly associated with post-MBS RWG. Results showed that BEB, but not FA, was associated with post-MBS RWG. MBS patient support teams should consider screening for BEB at post-MBS visits.

Investigating the Links Between Food Addiction, Emotional Dysregulation, Impulsivity and Quality of Life in Brazilian and Canadian College Students: A Network Analysis

ABSTRACTIntroductionFood addiction (FA) has been associated with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and reduced quality of life, but its interrelationships remain underexplored. This cross‐sectional descriptive study aimed to examine these connections using network analysis.MethodsData were collected from 1777 university students in Brazil and Canada through an online survey. Participants were classified into three groups based on the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0): No food addiction (NFA), mild food addiction (MFA) and moderate/severe food addiction (MSFA).ResultsThe MSFA group reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, as well as lower quality of life compared to the other groups. Network analysis identified stress as the most influential variable in both samples, whereas impulsivity played a key role in connecting FA with emotional problems, particularly, in the MSFA group.ConclusionsThis study addresses this gap by identifying impulsivity as central to the co‐occurrence of FA and emotional dysfunction, thereby offering insights for future research and interventions targeting FA.

Food addiction and its association with sedentary lifestyle in university students: a national cross sectional study

Obesity is considered a chronic non-communicable disease, characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat at levels harmful to health. The sedentary lifestyle marked by the absence of physical exercise is considered one of the risk factors for its development. In addition, there is an increase in the consumption of foods with addictive potential, which may favor the emergenceof food addiction. Physical exercise seems to reduce the desire for several substances with addictive potential, such as tobacco, alcohol and opioids, and can also be used in the treatment of these addictions. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether there is an association between the prevalence of food addiction and sedentary lifestyle in Brazilian university students. This is a cross-sectional study of national scope, carried out through online questionnaires. Data were self-reported, including age, sex, economic class, diagnosis of anxiety disorder, modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) and physical exercise. A total of 5,946 participants were included, with a mean age of 24.1 ± 6.3 years, of which 4,371 (73.5%) were female and had a mean BMI of 24.4 ± 5.2 kg/m2. The prevalence of food addiction was 18.5%. An association was observed between food addiction and sedentary lifestyle (PR: 1.42; 95%CI [1.28 — 1.58]), even after adjustment (PR: 1.23; 95%CI [1.11 — 1.35]). In conclusion, individuals who reported not exercising were more likely to be diagnosed with food addiction.

Exploring the prevalence and symptom presentation of food addiction among Norwegian bariatric surgery patients: associations with depression, dysregulated eating, and postoperative weight loss

BackgroundPathological eating and addictive processes are linked to obesity. Food addiction (FA) involves hedonic eating of highly palatable foods, accompanied by addictive symptoms like craving, loss-of-control (LOC) eating, and withdrawal. The main objectives of this study were to assess FA prevalence and symptoms in bariatric surgery candidates, and its relationship with depression, dysregulated eating, and 1- year postoperative weight loss (WL).MethodsData from 69 bariatric surgery patients (74% female, 26% male, ) were analysed. Self-report measures including Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) 2.0, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Repetitive Eating Questionnaire [Rep(eat)-Q] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered pre-surgery and at 1-year follow-up.ResultsThe mean preoperative YFAS symptom score was 2.2. (SD = 2.59). 16% of the sample met YFAS diagnostic criteria for FA. Top reported FA criteria were “substance taken in larger amount than intended” (33%), “persisted desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit” (29%), and “use in physically hazardous situations” (23%). The YFAS symptom scores correlated significantly with the frequency of LOC binge eating, depression and repetitive eating scores, but showed no correlation with age or BMI. Preoperative YFAS symptom scores did not significantly predict % WL at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsOur findings align with previous research, indicating that preoperative FA symptoms is unrelated to preoperative BMI and total %WL, but linked to eating pathology, such as LOC binge eating and grazing, as well as depression in bariatric surgery candidates.

Food Addiction: Prevalence, Severity, and Impact on Vascular Stroke Risk Factors in a French Hospital-Based Sample.

Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in adults worldwide. While an unhealthy diet is an independent risk factor for stroke, its association with disordered eating behaviours on stroke remains overlooked. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of addictive-like eating behaviours in stroke patients and their association with the main vascular stroke risk factors. First-ever minor or moderate stroke patients with the ability to complete self-report questionnaires were included. Addictive-like eating was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0). The variables of interest were: (i) the proportion of patients meeting the diagnosis of food addiction (FA); (ii) FA symptoms count and severity; (iii) addictive-like eating profile severity. Their association with four main vascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses. Over a 4-month period, 101 patients (mean (standard deviation (SD)), 62.8 (13.7) years; males: 60.4%) were consecutively screened with the YFAS 2.0. Overall, 5% of the sample endorsed an FA diagnosis, and 38.6% screened positive for at least one of the symptom criteria, with the most frequently endorsed symptom being "Inability to cut down". Dyslipidemia was the only vascular risk factor associated with the FA diagnosis (p = 0.043, 95% CI [-0.21; 0.01]). However, the severity of the addictive profile was associated with dyslipidemia (p = 0.016, 95% CI [-2.16; -0.21]) and diabetes (p = 0.038, 95% CI [-1.77; 0.25]), but only independently with dyslipidemia (p = 0.05; OR = 1.25; 95% CI [1.00; 1.56]). There were significant associations between the number of vascular risk factors and the severity of Time spent, Tolerance, and Use despite adverse consequences of FA symptoms, both in univariate and multivariate analyses (all p < 0.05). The number of vascular risk factors and total number of FA symptoms were significantly associated in univariate analyses (p = 0.007) but not after adjusting for age (p = 0.055) or sex (p = 0.083). This study highlighted the potential importance of addictive-like behaviours in the secondary prevention of stroke. However, larger and longer-term studies investigating addictive-like eating in diverse samples of stroke patients are warranted to achieve precision medicine.

The Presence of Food Addiction in Patients with Binge Eating Disorder Was Associated with Higher Weight, Poor Body Composition Outcomes, Lower Serum Level of Magnesium and Higher Ferritin 2 Years Post-LSG Surgery.

This study examined the presence of food addiction (FA) in patients with binge eating disorder (BED) 2years after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and explored its association with some minerals, ferritin, weight loss and, body composition outcomes. In this study, 120 patients with BED who had undergone LSG 2years prior to participation were enrolled. BED was assessed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria and presence of FA was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). The collected data included general characteristic, food intake, physical activity, weight loss percentage, body composition measurements such as fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as serum level of magnesium, zinc, iron, and ferritin. Fifty individuals with BED met the criteria for FA disorder (41.66%). BED patients who had FA had significantly higher weight (P = 0.01) compared to those without FA. Regarding body composition changes, the finding reveals that patients with BED + FA (vs. only-BED) had a significantly lower FM loss percentage (p = 0.04) and higher FFM loss percentage (p = 0.04). The BED patients with FA had significantly lower levels of magnesium (p = 0.02) and a higher level of ferritin (p = 0.04) compared to those without FA at second year after LSG. The presence of FA in patients with BED was associated with higher weight, poor body composition outcomes, lower serum level of magnesium, and higher ferritin two years post-LSG surgery.

Severe depression association with the addiction to fast food and smartphones in Jordanians: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe connection between psychiatry health, mental health, and lifestyle is under-studied in the Arab world. This study examined whether addictions to smartphones and fast food are associated with severe depressive symptoms in a cohort of Arab Jordanians.MethodThis research is cross-sectional. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure the severity of depression (PHQ-9), food addiction was assessed using the 9-item Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), and smartphone addiction was assessed using the Arabic-validated Smartphone Addiction Scale. Using multivariable binary logistic regression, the relationship between food addiction, and depressive symptoms. Results: Data were analyzed from 426 participants, 264 participants (62.0%) reported being addicted to smartphones, and 156 (36.6%) reported severe depressive symptoms. The multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that severe depression was significantly associated with lower income (OR = 2.14, 95% Cl 1.34–3.41, P = 0.001), addiction to smartphones (OR = 2.15, 95% = 1.39–3.32, P = 0.001), and increased addiction to fast food (OR = 1.06, 95% = 1.04–1.08, P = < 0.001).ConclusionAddiction to smartphones, addiction to fast food, and low income were all associated with severe depression in Arab Jordanians, community awareness is highly required to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Epidemiology of food addiction among nursing and health technician students in Agadir, Morocco

ABSTRACT This study investigates food addiction among nursing students at the Higher Institute of Nursing and Technical Health in Agadir, Morocco, using a cross-sectional design. It employs the Yale Food Addiction Scale and a self-administered survey, selecting participants through proportional sampling across study levels and random selection within each level. Analysis includes univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, evaluating model using area under the curve (AUC). Among 451 participants (mean age 20.89 ± 3.71 years; 64.7% female), 19.3% exhibited food addiction. Physical activity (OR = 0.447; 95% CI [0.264–0.757]) and being underweight (OR = 0.336; 95% CI [0.124–0.915]) reduced risk, while anxiety and depression increased it (Yes; OR = 1.904; 95% CI [1.158–3.129]). The predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.6985, indicating strong discrimination. The study underscores the importance of psychological support and regular physical activity during students’ academic and professional training. Future studies should encompass diverse locations and institutions to enhance the findings’ generalisability beyond Agadir, Morocco.

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of technology addiction in adolescents: associations with food addiction, emotional eating, and body weight status

BackgroundThis cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of technology addiction (TA) in adolescents, as well as investigate the association of TA with food addiction and emotional eating by body weight status.MethodsAdolescents (n = 1388) completed a questionnaire that featured socio-demographic characteristics, the Game Addiction Scale (GAS), the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMD), the dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (dYFAS‐C 2.0), and the Emotional Eating Scale Adapted for Use in Children and Adolescents (EES-C). The body mass index (BMI) Z-score was classified according to the World Health Organization.ResultsTA was present in one-fifth of adolescents, and boys were four times more likely to develop a digital game addiction (p < 0.001). A 1-point increase in the GAS score is associated with a 1.08-point increase in the dYFAS-C-2.0 score and a 0.5-point increase in the total EES-C score (p < 0.001). A 1-point increase in the SMD score was also related to an increased of 1.21 and 1.26, respectively (p < 0.001). All of these positive associations were significant in adolescents with overweight (p < 0.001).ConclusionsGiven the rapidly increasing prevalence of TA among adolescents, its association with food addiction, emotional eating, and body weight status is worrisome, and our findings shed light on the relevance of developing strategies to reduce the prevalence of TA in this population.