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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Eating disorders, obesity and addiction
1Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers-the State University of New Jersey, USA. tewilson@rci.rutgers.edu
Summary
The addiction model for eating disorders and obesity lacks clinical support. Public health efforts should focus on the toxic food environment driving obesity and chronic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The addiction model views eating disorders and obesity as brain diseases requiring targeted treatment.
- Neurobiological research indicates shared reward pathway mechanisms between obesity and substance abuse disorders.
- This model has gained traction in both popular and scientific discussions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical validity and utility of the addiction model for eating disorders and obesity.
- To examine evidence from various research domains, including laboratory studies, epidemiology, genetics, and treatment outcomes.
- To contrast the similarities and differences between obesity and substance addiction.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory feeding studies.
- Analysis of epidemiological data.
- Examination of genetic and familial research.
- Assessment of psychopathological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of treatment outcome research, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
- Comparison of neurobiological findings in obesity and substance abuse.
Main Results:
- Evidence from multiple research areas is inconsistent with the clinical validity or utility of the addiction model for eating disorders.
- While neurobiological similarities exist between obesity and substance abuse, significant differences are often overlooked.
- The focus on obesity as a brain disease may detract from addressing the environmental factors contributing to the epidemic.
Conclusions:
- The addiction model for eating disorders and obesity is not well-supported by current clinical evidence.
- Environmental factors, specifically the 'toxic food environment,' are critical drivers of the obesity epidemic and related chronic diseases.
- A public health approach focusing on environmental changes is essential for addressing obesity and nutrition-related health issues.
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