There are behavioral similarities between obesity and addiction, but obesity is also a complex condition that the addiction model cannot fully explain, research finds.
Obesity rates have tripled since 1975, according to the World Health Organization. An increase in availability of inexpensive, high-calorie food is likely behind the rise. While some researchers blame obesity on food addiction, others point out that food is a basic need and does not have addictive molecules, like nicotine or caffeine.
This debate inspired a research team led by Alain Dagher at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital at McGill University to look for ways to measure the behavioral similarities and differences that obesity has with addictive behaviors, as well as psychiatric disorders….