The Science Behind Disordered Eating Drives

Complexities of obesity, intricacies of neurobiology, and dysfunctional eating behaviors appear to intersect at an emerging popular theory of food addiction (Avena et al., 2012; Blumenthal & Gold, 2010). Addiction has been defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful effects (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Could the palatable nature of food and the pleasure of eating contribute compulsive dietary intake despite negative c…