Toward consensus

Using the Delphi method to form an international expert consensus statement on ultra-processed food addiction

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15516964
AutoresJen Unwin (Community Foundation, autor correspondente), Heidi Giæver (Community Foundation), Nicole M Avena (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Nicole Avena, Clarissa Kennedy (Sobriety (Czechia)), Molly Painschab (Sobriety (Czechia)), Erica M LaFata (0000-0002-8505-6366, Drexel University)
Ano2025
Volume16
Páginas1542905-1542905
Data de publicação2025-05-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
EditoraFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1542905
PMID40375880
OpenAlexW4410013717
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas10

The recognition of an addictive disorder relating to the harmful use of certain foods is being called for by clinicians and researchers, which evidence supports as being distinct from eating disorders (EDs) and obesity. Critics cite a lack of consensus on the validity of associating the term addiction with food, claiming that characteristics of addiction 'are not observed in the context of eating behaviors' as a reason to dispute its consideration as a novel diagnosis. It was decided to consult international scientific and clinical experts to review whether it would be possible to reach a consensus around this subject. The 12-month project, using a Delphi method, involved 40 clinicians, researchers and academics, from 10 countries and a team of four facilitators. Consensus was achieved between 37 out of the 40 participants. The discussions during the process demonstrated that it was not only possible to achieve several areas of agreement related to the clinical observation of addiction-like symptoms related to certain foods but also, that existing extensive scientific research findings confirm the biochemical, neurological and behavioral aspects of a substance-use disorder relating specifically to ultra-processed foods, exhibiting strong similarities with other acknowledged substance-use disorders. The consensus may provide a platform for future attempts for formal recognition of ultra-processed food addiction as a diagnosis. Areas for future research are discussed

Consensus conference · Delphi · Delphi method · Library science · Political science · Scientific consensus · Statement (logic · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Delphi Technique in Research · Law · Artificial Intelligence