TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
AU  - Araç, Eşref
PY  - 2025
DA  - November
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.56016/dahudermj.1793707
JF  - DAHUDER Medical Journal
JO  - DAHUDER MJ
PB  - DAHUDER
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2791-9250
SP  - 148
EP  - 154
VL  - 5
IS  - 4
LA  - en
AB  - Objectives: Obesity is a pervasive global health challenge with a complex etiology. Recent conceptualizations propose that certain eating behaviors, particularly towards ultra-processed foods, mirror the patterns seen in substance use disorders, giving rise to the “food addiction” model. This narrative review aims to synthesize contemporary evidence on the neurobiological and psychological overlap between obesity and behavioral addictions, and to discuss diagnostic tools and treatment modalities informed by this model. Methods: A narrative review of literature published between 2018 and 2025 was conducted, focusing on studies elucidating the reward pathway dysfunctions, psychological correlates, and advancements in treating addiction-like eating behaviors. Results: Evidence indicates that hyperpalatable foods significantly alter the brain’s reward circuitry, notably through dopamine release and receptor downregulation in the mesolimbic pathway, paralleling mechanisms in substance addiction. Neuroimaging studies consistently show altered prefrontal-striatal connectivity, contributing to diminished inhibitory control and heightened cue reactivity. Psychologically, traits such as impulsivity and stress-mediated emotional eating are strongly associated with compulsive consumption patterns. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) has emerged as a key tool for identifying individuals who may exhibit these addictivelike eating behaviors. Pharmacological interventions like GLP-1 receptor agonists and naltrexone/bupropion, alongside cognitive-behavioral therapies and neuromodulation techniques, show promising efficacy by targeting these underlying addictive mechanisms. Conclusion: The behavioral addiction model provides a valuable framework for understanding and treating a distinct subgroup of obesity characterized by compulsive overeating. Integrating addiction-based approaches into obesity management, including novel pharmacotherapies, psychotherapy, and public health policies regulating ultra-processed foods, offers a promising multidisciplinary strategy for improving outcomes in treatment-resistant cases.
KW  - Behavioral addiction
KW  - Dopamine
KW  - Food addiction
KW  - Obesity
KW  - Reward system
KW  - Yale food addiction scale
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.56016/dahudermj.1793707
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/5285950
ER  -