The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Eşref Araç

doi:10.56016/dahudermj.1793707

The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Behavioral addiction, Dopamine, Food addiction, Obesity, Reward system, Yale food addiction scale

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Internal Diseases

Journal Section

Review Article

Authors

Eşref Araç ^*
0000-0001-6041-3817
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

November 7, 2025

Publication Date

November 13, 2025

Submission Date

September 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.56016/dahudermj.1793707

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA84GB33GP

APA

Araç, E. (2025). The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. DAHUDER Medical Journal, 5(4), 148-154. https://doi.org/10.56016/dahudermj.1793707

AMA

1.Araç E. The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. DAHUDER MJ. 2025;5(4):148-154. doi:10.56016/dahudermj.1793707

Chicago

Araç, Eşref. 2025. “The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications”. DAHUDER Medical Journal 5 (4): 148-54. https://doi.org/10.56016/dahudermj.1793707.

EndNote

Araç E (November 1, 2025) The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. DAHUDER Medical Journal 5 4 148–154.

IEEE

[1]E. Araç, “The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications”, DAHUDER MJ, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 148–154, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.56016/dahudermj.1793707.

ISNAD

Araç, Eşref. “The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications”. DAHUDER Medical Journal 5/4 (November 1, 2025): 148-154. https://doi.org/10.56016/dahudermj.1793707.

JAMA

1.Araç E. The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. DAHUDER MJ. 2025;5:148–154.

MLA

Araç, Eşref. “The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications”. DAHUDER Medical Journal, vol. 5, no. 4, Nov. 2025, pp. 148-54, doi:10.56016/dahudermj.1793707.

Vancouver

1.Eşref Araç. The Intersection of Obesity and Behavioral Addictions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. DAHUDER MJ. 2025 Nov. 1;5(4):148-54. doi:10.56016/dahudermj.1793707