Prevalence of food addiction determined by the Yale Food Addiction Scale and associated factors: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2022 Mar;30(2):85-95. doi: 10.1002/erv.2878. Epub 2021 Dec 24.

Abstract

Objective: To determine, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the prevalence of food addiction (FA) using the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and its derivatives exploring possible factors associated with the prevalence of FA in several contexts.

Methods: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, LILACS, PsycArticles, CENTRAL, Greylit.org, and OpenGrey.eu. Studies that assessed FA using YFAS were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of each report. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the weighted prevalence of FA. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity.

Results: Of the 6425 abstracts reviewed, 272 studies were included. The weighted mean prevalence of FA diagnosis was 20% (95% CI: 18%; 21%). The prevalence of FA was higher in individuals with clinical diagnosis of binge eating (55%; 95% CI 34%; 75%). The prevalence in clinical samples was higher compared to non-clinical samples. Two studies included children only and no studies included only elderly people.

Conclusions: Food addiction is a topic in which there has been a significant growth in studies. The highest prevalence was found in the group of participants with eating disorders and weight disorders. More studies with children and the elderly are needed.

Keywords: YFAS; addiction; compulsive eating.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Child
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Food Addiction* / diagnosis
  • Food Addiction* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires