Food Addiction

Overview

Journal Brain Sci

Publisher MDPI

Date 2024 Oct 25

PMID 39451967

Authors

Haley Krupa

Ashley N Gearhardt

Anne Lewandowski

Nicole M Avena

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In this review, we aim to draw a connection between drug addiction and overconsumption of highly palatable food (OHPF) by discussing common behaviors and neurochemical pathways shared by these two states. OHPF can stimulate reward pathways in the brain that parallel those triggered by drug use, increasing the risk of dependency. Behavioral similarities between food and drug addiction can be addressed by tracking their stages: loss of control when eating (bingeing), withdrawal, craving, sensitization, and cross-sensitization. The brain adapts to addiction by way of the mesolimbic dopamine system, endogenous opioids and receptors, acetylcholine and dopamine balance, and adaptations of serotonin in neuroanatomy. Studies from the current literature are reviewed to determine how various neurological chemicals contribute to the reinforcement of drug addiction and OHPF. Finally, protocols for treating food addiction are discussed, including both clinical and pharmacological modalities. There is consistent evidence that OHPF changes brain chemistry and leads to addiction in similar ways to drugs. However, more long-term research is needed on food addiction, binge eating, and their neurobiological effects.

Citing Articles

Tying Food Addiction to Uncontrolled Eating: The Roles of Eating-Related Thoughts and Emotional Eating.

Rossi A Nutrients. 2025; 17(3).

PMID: 39940227 PMC: 11819927. DOI: 10.3390/nu17030369.

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