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Highly processed food addiction: A concept analysis
Trina Aguirre1, Nancy Meier1, Ann Koehler1
1College of Nursing-West Nebraska Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, USA.
Nursing Forum
|October 17, 2021
Summary
Highly processed food addiction (HPFA) is a distinct concept that may contribute to obesity. Identifying individuals with HPFA can help tailor treatments, potentially improving outcomes for those with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Emerging evidence links addictive-like eating to obesity.
- Understanding highly processed food addiction (HPFA) is crucial for targeted obesity interventions.
- HPFA may represent a distinct phenotype within the obesity spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the concept of highly processed food addiction (HPFA).
- To explore the implications of HPFA for obesity treatment strategies.
- To analyze case studies illustrating varying degrees of HPFA.
Main Methods:
- Concept analysis using Walker and Avant's framework.
- Literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Ebscohost).
- Analysis of case studies from a study using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0).
Main Results:
- A model case met all 11 substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms, indicating severe HPFA.
- A contrary case showed no YFAS 2.0 symptoms, compulsive eating, or cravings.
- A borderline case met minimum HPFA criteria but lacked clinical significance, suggesting the need for clinical interviews.
Conclusions:
- The HPFA concept is supported by empirical evidence and case studies.
- The YFAS/YFAS 2.0 effectively identifies individuals with obesity who may benefit from SUD-focused interventions.
- Future research should focus on longitudinal, gender-balanced studies of HPFA in relation to obesity and eating disorders.
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