Genes affect the degree of reward that individuals experience when initially using a substance (e.g., drugs) or engaging in certain behaviors (e.g., gambling), as well as the way the body processes alcohol or other drugs. вЂњA chronic disorder with biological, psychological, social and environmental factors influencing its development and maintenance. вЂњPhysically and mentally dependent on a particular substance.вЂќ Future research should explore social/role impairment, preoccupation, and risky use associated with food addiction and evaluate potential interventions for prevention and treatment.

Though both behavioral and substance-related factors are implicated in the addictive process, symptoms appear to better fit criteria for substance use disorder than behavioral addiction. The evidence further suggests that certain foods, particularly processed foods with added sweeteners and fats, demonstrate the greatest addictive potential. Overall, findings support food addiction as a unique construct consistent with criteria for other substance use disorder diagnoses. Brain reward dysfunction and impaired control were supported by the largest number of studies ( n = 21 and n = 12, respectively) whereas risky use was supported by the fewest ( n = 1). Each pre-defined criterion was supported by at least one study. The 52 identified studies (35 articles) were qualitatively assessed to determine the extent to which their findings indicated the following addiction characteristics in relation to food: brain reward dysfunction, preoccupation, risky use, impaired control, tolerance/withdrawal, social impairment, chronicity, and relapse. Studies were included if they were quantitative, peer-reviewed, and in the English language.

The current systematic review is the first to evaluate empirical studies examining the construct of вЂњfood addictionвЂќ in humans and animals.

The diagnostic construct of вЂњfood addictionвЂќ is a highly controversial subject.

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