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Current Nutrition Reports

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01-06-2020 | Obesity | Nutrition and the Brain (J Nasser, Section Editor)

The Effect of Food Composition and Behavior on Neurobiological Response to Food: a Review of Recent Research

Authors: Eliza L. Gordon, Michelle R. Lent, Lisa J. Merlo

Published in: Current Nutrition Reports | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Controversy surrounds the construct of food addiction. The current review examines neurobiological evidence for the existence of food addiction as a valid diagnosis.

Recent Findings

Recent neuroimaging studies suggest significant overlap in the areas of the brain that are activated in relation to both food and drug addiction. Specifically, areas of the brain implicated in executive functioning (e.g., attention, planning, decision-making, inhibition), pleasure and the experience of reward, and sensory input and motor functioning display increased activation among individuals with symptoms of both food and drug addiction.

Summary

Proposed symptoms of food addiction mirror those comprising other substance use disorder diagnoses, with similar psychological and behavioral sequelae. Results of neuroimaging studies suggest significant overlap in the areas of the brain that are activated in relation to both food and drug addiction, providing support for continued research into the construct of food addiction.

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Title: The Effect of Food Composition and Behavior on Neurobiological Response to Food: a Review of Recent Research
Authors: Eliza L. Gordon
Michelle R. Lent
Lisa J. Merlo
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Obesity
Addiction
Obesity
Addiction
Published in: Current Nutrition Reports / Issue 2/2020
Electronic ISSN: 2161-3311
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-020-00305-5

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