Food Addiction Gains Recognition as Brain Research Mirrors substance Use
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Mounting evidence suggests a biological basis for compulsive overeating, with researchers increasingly finding parallels between food addiction and substance use disorders. A growing body of work demonstrates that highly palatable foods can trigger similar brain responses as addictive drugs, prompting calls for formal recognition of food addiction in leading diagnostic manuals.
The potential reclassification of severe overeating as an addiction-rather than solely a behavioral problem-could dramatically shift how society understands and treats obesity and related health issues. Currently affecting millions globally, the lack of formal recognition hinders research funding and limits access to specialized care for those struggling with compulsive eating. Inclusion in diagnostic tools like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the World Health Association’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) would open avenues for dedicated treatment development and broader insurance coverage.
Researchers have observed that highly processed foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt, activate the brain’s reward system in a manner strikingly similar to drugs like cocaine and opioids. this activation releases dopamine, creating a pleasurable sensation that reinforces the behavior, leading to cycles of craving, bingeing, and withdrawal.brain imaging studies reveal comparable patterns of neural activity in individuals with food addiction and those with substance use disorders.
“What we’re seeing is that the brain changes associated with addiction are very similar, regardless of the substance or behavior,” explains Claire Wilcox, Adjunct Faculty in Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. “This isn’t simply about a lack of willpower; it’s a neurobiological process.”
Formal recognition would not only benefit individuals seeking help but also bolster research efforts aimed at identifying effective treatments. Currently, treatment options are limited and often adapted from substance abuse protocols. Increased funding could facilitate the development of targeted therapies and personalized interventions based on a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of food addiction.
