Toward consensus: using the Delphi method to form an international expert consensus statement on ultra-processed food...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Clinicians and researchers are increasingly calling for the recognition of an addictive disorder related to harmful food consumption, distinct from eating disorders and obesity.
• Critics question the validity of applying the term 'addiction' to food behaviors due to perceived lack of consensus on addiction characteristics in eating contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if international scientific and clinical experts could reach a consensus on the concept of food addiction.
• To explore the potential for formal recognition of ultra-processed food addiction as a distinct diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month Delphi method project involving 40 international experts (clinicians, researchers, academics) from 10 countries.
• Facilitated discussions and consensus-building among participants to evaluate evidence and clinical observations.

Main Results:

• Consensus was achieved among 37 out of 40 participants.
• Agreement was reached on the clinical observation of addiction-like symptoms associated with certain foods.
• Scientific evidence confirms biochemical, neurological, and behavioral aspects of ultra-processed food use disorder, mirroring acknowledged substance-use disorders.

Conclusions:

• The achieved consensus provides a foundation for future efforts to formally recognize ultra-processed food addiction.
• Further research is needed to solidify the diagnostic criteria and understanding of this condition.