About this Research Topic
Ultra-processed food addiction is a distinct disorder characterized by the typical symptoms of substance use disorders, such as cravings, tolerance, loss of control, withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences, in relation to certain foods. There is a growing body of research and clinical experience concerning the biochemistry of the condition, the differentiation from other disorders, and the clinical assessment and intervention protocols which warrant further study.
The issue of addiction-like symptoms in relation to food has remained controversial despite the documented prevalence and harms of the condition. In part, this is due to debates relating to: the naming of the disorder, suitable definitions and assessment protocols to distinguish it from similar conditions such as eating disorders, whether the condition is a behavioral or a substance use disorder, and what if any are effective treatment approaches.
A group of international academics and clinicians specializing in ultra-processed food addiction recently completed a Delphi process to move toward consensus on the above questions which was celebrated at a London conference. This Research Topic will include the outcome of the consensus exercise and contributions from participants on the latest science and best practices relating to ultra-processed food addiction. Furthermore, the most recent thinking and data on mechanisms, definitions, assessment, and interventions will be presented by experts in the field.
Papers are sought on the following topics:
• Underlying biological and psychological mechanisms in ultra-processed food addiction as a substance use disorder
• Defining and distinguishing ultra-processed food addiction in relation to other conditions, for example, eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and obesity
• Screening and assessment protocols for ultra-processed food addiction in clinical practice
• Intervention protocols for ultra-processed food addiction including long-term outcomes
• The phenomenology of ultra-processed food addiction including the natural history of the disorder, lived experience, and risk factors
• Exploring the topic of prevention and public health initiatives in relation to ultra-processed food addiction.
The issue of addiction-like symptoms in relation to food has remained controversial despite the documented prevalence and harms of the condition. In part, this is due to debates relating to: the naming of the disorder, suitable definitions and assessment protocols to distinguish it from similar conditions such as eating disorders, whether the condition is a behavioral or a substance use disorder, and what if any are effective treatment approaches.
A group of international academics and clinicians specializing in ultra-processed food addiction recently completed a Delphi process to move toward consensus on the above questions which was celebrated at a London conference. This Research Topic will include the outcome of the consensus exercise and contributions from participants on the latest science and best practices relating to ultra-processed food addiction. Furthermore, the most recent thinking and data on mechanisms, definitions, assessment, and interventions will be presented by experts in the field.
Papers are sought on the following topics:
• Underlying biological and psychological mechanisms in ultra-processed food addiction as a substance use disorder
• Defining and distinguishing ultra-processed food addiction in relation to other conditions, for example, eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and obesity
• Screening and assessment protocols for ultra-processed food addiction in clinical practice
• Intervention protocols for ultra-processed food addiction including long-term outcomes
• The phenomenology of ultra-processed food addiction including the natural history of the disorder, lived experience, and risk factors
• Exploring the topic of prevention and public health initiatives in relation to ultra-processed food addiction.
Keywords: food addiction, ultra-processed food, addiction, substance use disorder
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.
