Work

Food Addiction Beliefs Amongst the Lay Public: What Are the Consequences for Eating Behaviour?

Year: 2017

Type: review

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current paper reviews recent research on perceptions of food addiction in the lay public. It also examines the potential consequences of such beliefs for eating behaviour. RECENT FINDINGS: to be 'food addicts', and these individuals demonstrate increased patterns of aberrant eating. However, there is also initial experimental evidence to suggest that believing oneself to be a food addict leads to short-term food restriction. SUMMARY: To reconcile these findings, a self-perpetuating relationship between food addiction beliefs and aberrant eating is proposed. Specifically, in the short term, food addiction beliefs may encourage individuals to avoid certain foods. However, attempts at restriction may eventually lead to increased cravings and disinhibition, thus reinforcing perceptions of oneself as a food addict. These possibilities merit scrutiny in future research.

Source: Current Addiction Reports

DOI: 10.1007/s40429-017-0136-0

Authors: Helen K. Ruddock, Charlotte A. Hardman

Institution: University of Liverpool

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790