Food Addiction linked to Type 2 Diabetes among normal individuals and ones with mental disorders

Denmark: A new study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal has found that there is a positive association between food addiction and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in both the general population and among individuals with mental disorders.

This research sheds light on the addictive nature of highly processed foods and suggests that food addiction may be a promising target for preventing T2D.

The study, which was conducted by researchers in Denmark, surveyed 1,699 adults from the general population and 1,394 adults with clinically verified mental disorders. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey that included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and was followed up using Danish registers to determine the presence of T2D.

The study revealed the following clinical takeaways:

1. food addiction was strongly associated with T2D in both the general population and among individuals with mental disorders.

2. In the general population, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for food addiction and T2D was 6.7, indicating a significant positive association.

3. Among individuals with mental disorders, the AOR was 2.4, also indicating a positive association in a dose-response-like manner.

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate a positive association between food addiction and T2D in a general population sample. The findings suggest that food addiction may be a promising target for preventing T2D, particularly in populations at risk for mental disorders.

Dr. Christina Horsager, the study’s lead author, said, “These results have important implications for public health and underscore the need for food addiction interventions. Future research should focus on developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for food addiction in order to reduce the risk of developing T2D and other related health issues.”

Reference:

Horsager C., Bruun J., Færk E., et al.; Food addiction is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes; Clinical Nutrition VOLUME 42, ISSUE 5, P717-721, 2023; doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.03.014