Food addiction and gender aspects: Risk factors, co-morbidites and treatment

Abstract Food addiction (FA) is characterized by poorly controlled intake of highly-palatable, calorically-dense, high-sugar, high-fat, and usually processed foods. Although not existing in the DSM-5 or ICD, it has been a widely discussed clinical research entity for more than decade, understanding both obesity also disordered eating behaviours. Most studies indicate that risk factors FA are similar to substance use disorders. found be linked with emotion regulation problems, impulsivity, distinct personality features, other major psychopathologies including depression anxiety. Morevoer, several studies, female gender associated prevalent food addiction, up 7 times. Female predictor severe high reward sensitivity was significantly symptoms females. It known women likely self-medicate men acquisition phase show rapid escalation (telescoping), whereas general disorders much common men. The wide availability hyperpalatable, high-calorie, inexpensive contextual social do necessarily prevent from consuming these drugs, contrary illicit might explain why frequently observed Also, biological factors, hormonal changes body-image disturbances among reasons females affected FA. Aspects related should taken into account proper recognition treatment FA, diagnosis growing importance. Disclosure Interest None Declared