Home > The relationship between addictive eating and dietary intake: a systematic review.

Pursey, Kirrilly M and Skinner, Janelle and Leary, Mark and Burrows, Tracy (2021) The relationship between addictive eating and dietary intake: a systematic review. Nutrients, 14, (1), doi: 10.3390/nu14010164.

External website: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/1/164

Background: Research suggests that certain foods may have addictive effects; however, no reviews have systematically appraised studies in this area. The aims of this review were to determine the nutrients, foods and dietary patterns associated with addictive eating.

Methods: Published studies up to November 2020 were identified through searches of 6 electronic databases. Eligible studies included those in in children and adults that reported dietary intakes of individuals with 'food addiction'.

Results: Fifteen studies ( = 12 in adults and = 3 in children/adolescents with Yale Food Addiction Scale defined 'food addiction') were included. Foods commonly associated with addictive eating were those high in a combination of fat and refined carbohydrates. Generally, intakes of energy, carbohydrates and fats were significantly higher in individuals with addictive eating compared to those without.

Conclusions: Due to the heterogeneity in study methodologies and outcomes across included studies, it is difficult to conclude if any specific foods, nutrients or dietary patterns facilitate an addictive process. Further research is needed to elucidate potential associations. However, present addictive eating treatment approaches could incorporate individualised dietary advice targeting foods high in fat and refined carbohydrates.


Item Type
Article
Publication Type
International, Open Access, Review, Article
Drug Type
Behavioural addiction
Intervention Type
Harm reduction
Date
30 December 2021
Identification #
doi: 10.3390/nu14010164
Volume
14
Number
1
EndNote

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