Journal article
Toward consensus: using the Delphi method to form an international expert consensus statement on ultra-processed food addiction
Frontiers in psychiatry, v 16, 1542905
01 May 2025
PMID: 40375880
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
The recognition of an addictive disorder relating to the harmful use of certain foods is being called for by clinicians and researchers, which evidence supports as being distinct from eating disorders (EDs) and obesity. Critics cite a lack of consensus on the validity of associating the term addiction with food, claiming that characteristics of addiction ‘are not observed in the context of eating behaviors’ as a reason to dispute its consideration as a novel diagnosis. It was decided to consult international scientific and clinical experts to review whether it would be possible to reach a consensus around this subject. The 12-month project, using a Delphi method, involved 40 clinicians, researchers and academics, from 10 countries and a team of four facilitators. Consensus was achieved between 37 out of the 40 participants. The discussions during the process demonstrated that it was not only possible to achieve several areas of agreement related to the clinical observation of addiction-like symptoms related to certain foods but also, that existing extensive scientific research findings confirm the biochemical, neurological and behavioral aspects of a substance-use disorder relating specifically to ultra-processed foods, exhibiting strong similarities with other acknowledged substance-use disorders. The consensus may provide a platform for future attempts for formal recognition of ultra-processed food addiction as a diagnosis. Areas for future research are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Toward consensus: using the Delphi method to form an international expert consensus statement on ultra-processed food addiction
- Creators
- Jen UnwinHeidi GiaeverNicole AvenaClarissa KennedyMolly PainschabErica M. LaFata
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in psychiatry, v 16, 1542905
- Publisher
- FRONTIERS MEDIA SA; LAUSANNE
- Number of pages
- 6
- Grant note
- Collaborative Health Community Foundation, UK Charity: 1207031
The authors declare that funding was received for the research and/or publication of this article. The publication of this article was funded by The Collaborative Health Community Foundation, UK Charity number 1207031.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); WELL Center
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001488142200001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105005274221
- Other Identifier
- 991022052281104721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Psychiatry