Food Addiction Is Strongly Associated With Psychopathology and Reduced Psychological Well-Being Among Adults Irrespective of BMI

Abstract

Background and Aims: Food addiction has been linked to psychopathology and reduced psychological well-being. Here, we investigated whether these associations are mainly driven by food addiction itself or mediated via an increase in BMI. Methods: Data stem from a nationwide survey from Denmark (n = 1474 participants). The survey questionnaire included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) measuring food addiction, questions on height and weight (to compute BMI), and a range of self-reported measures of psychopathology and psychological well-being. The association between food addiction and psychopathology/psychological well-being, stratified by weight category (normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30)), was assessed via multivariable regression analyses, adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status and BMI. Results: Across all BMI categories, having food addiction was strongly positively associated with psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity) and strongly negatively associated with psychological well-being (all p-values < 0.001), despite adjustment for BMI. These associations remained following exclusion of participants either having received a diagnosis of mental disorder or having redeemed a prescription for psychopharmacological treatment. Conclusion: The findings from this study are compatible with food addiction itself, and not increased BMI likely arising from it, being associated with psychopathology and reduced psychological well-being.