About this Research Topic
In the last decades, a rapid increase in obesity rates has become a health concern worldwide. Among the contributing factors, experts include excessive sugar consumption. This is consistent with data suggesting that sugar could present addictive properties similar to those shown in drugs of abuse. However, sugar addiction still struggles for validity. Exploring addiction mechanisms in both human and non-human subjects can elucidate the underlying neural pathways and behavioral patterns associated with sugar dependence. In addition, studying non-human models provides valuable insights into evolutionary and genetic factors influencing sugar addiction across species. Such research can inform preventive strategies, interventions, and policy initiatives aimed at reducing sugar consumption and mitigating its adverse health effects. Furthermore, comparative studies between human and non-human models can elucidate common mechanisms between sugar and other behavioral and substance addictions. This could facilitate the development of more effective treatment approaches, benefiting both human health and animal welfare.
The main goals of pursuing research on sugar addiction in human and non-human models are many. First and foremost, gather convincing evidence that consumed in an abusive fashion, sugar can produce psychoactive responses and neural adaptations similar to those observed in drugs of abuse. Investigating the common neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying sugar and substance addiction in both humans and animals is essential and can shed light on how sugar affects the brain's reward pathways, leading to compulsive consumption behaviors. Secondly, research can identify common risk factors aligned with sugar addiction, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and developmental factors. This knowledge can inform personalized prevention and intervention strategies. Finally, comparative studies between human and non-human models can facilitate the development of novel treatment approaches for substance addiction, including sugar. By testing interventions in animal models and translating findings to human populations, researchers can improve the effectiveness of interventions and therapies.
Overall, this Research Topic seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance understanding of sugar addiction's complexities across various research disciplines.
We especially welcome manuscripts exploring and investigating:
- Neurobiological mechanisms, including the role of reward pathways and neurotransmitters, which are crucial for understanding addictive behaviors.
- The influence of genetic and environmental factors on behavioral patterns associated with sugar consumption and dependence.
- The impact of sugar addiction on metabolic health and cognitive function.
Manuscripts presenting experimental findings from both clinical studies and preclinical animal models are particularly welcomed. Reviews synthesizing current knowledge, meta-analyses evaluating intervention strategies, and theoretical perspectives on sugar addiction are also encouraged.
The main goals of pursuing research on sugar addiction in human and non-human models are many. First and foremost, gather convincing evidence that consumed in an abusive fashion, sugar can produce psychoactive responses and neural adaptations similar to those observed in drugs of abuse. Investigating the common neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying sugar and substance addiction in both humans and animals is essential and can shed light on how sugar affects the brain's reward pathways, leading to compulsive consumption behaviors. Secondly, research can identify common risk factors aligned with sugar addiction, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and developmental factors. This knowledge can inform personalized prevention and intervention strategies. Finally, comparative studies between human and non-human models can facilitate the development of novel treatment approaches for substance addiction, including sugar. By testing interventions in animal models and translating findings to human populations, researchers can improve the effectiveness of interventions and therapies.
Overall, this Research Topic seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance understanding of sugar addiction's complexities across various research disciplines.
We especially welcome manuscripts exploring and investigating:
- Neurobiological mechanisms, including the role of reward pathways and neurotransmitters, which are crucial for understanding addictive behaviors.
- The influence of genetic and environmental factors on behavioral patterns associated with sugar consumption and dependence.
- The impact of sugar addiction on metabolic health and cognitive function.
Manuscripts presenting experimental findings from both clinical studies and preclinical animal models are particularly welcomed. Reviews synthesizing current knowledge, meta-analyses evaluating intervention strategies, and theoretical perspectives on sugar addiction are also encouraged.
Keywords: Neural basis of addiction, Sugar addiction, Animal models, Binge eating, Obesogenic environment, Reward
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
