Research

Adherence

Individuals meeting clinical criteria for 'food addiction' exhibit significantly higher obesity severity, including greater body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, compared to non-addicted controls.

If you struggle with compulsive eating and loss of control, this behavior is a significant driver of obesity severity, not just a minor habit. Addressing the behavioral aspects of food addiction (e.g., through specialized psychological support or behavioral therapy) may be necessary to reduce body fat and BMI, as standard caloric restriction alone may not address the underlying compulsive intake.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Food addicts were 11.7 (kg) heavier, 4.6 BMI units higher, and had 8.2% more body fat and 8.5% more trunk fat.
Pardis Pedram et al. · PLoS ONE · 2013

Why this rating

Large sample size (n=652), general population cohort, objective body composition measures (DXA), and robust statistical controls for confounders.

Source

Food Addiction: Its Prevalence and Significant Association with Obesity in the General Population

Pardis Pedram et al. · PLoS ONE · 2013

cross_sectional · n=652Cited 333×
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