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Nutritional Aspects of Food Addiction

  • Food Addiction (A Meule, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Behavioural and neurobiological similarities have been identified between the consumption of certain foods and addiction-related disorders. However, few studies have investigated what components of food may promote an addictive-like response in humans. This review evaluates recent research concerning the nutritional aspects of addictive-like eating.

Recent Findings

Based on the current evidence base, highly processed, hyper-palatable foods with combinations of fat and sugar appear most likely to facilitate an addictive-like response. Total fat content and glycaemic index also appear to be important factors in the addictive potential of foods. Despite public interest and evidence from animal studies, few studies have reported an association between sugar and addictive-like eating.

Summary

Due to the paucity of studies, it is difficult to conclusively identify a specific food or ingredient as capable of triggering an addictive-like response in humans. Future studies using validated dietary assessment tools are essential and may inform the development of novel strategies to treat maladaptive eating behaviours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

    Kirrilly M. Pursey & Tracy L. Burrows

  2. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

    Kirrilly M. Pursey & Tracy L. Burrows

  3. School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Caroline Davis

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  1. Kirrilly M. Pursey
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Dr. Kirrilly M. Pursey, Professor Caroline Davis and Associate Professor Tracy L. Burrows declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Food Addiction

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Pursey, K.M., Davis, C. & Burrows, T.L. Nutritional Aspects of Food Addiction. Curr Addict Rep 4, 142–150 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-017-0139-x

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