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Evidence to action: a perspective on treatment approaches for food addiction

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

The field of food addiction research is rapidly progressing, with the emergence of a range of treatment studies. These have taken a variety of formats and approaches, given the clustering of food addiction with other health conditions, namely increased weight and mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD, binge eating disorder). The food addiction treatment field comprises numerous systematic reviews synthesizing research from self-help groups, psychosocial interventions, lifestyle management, pharmacology, supplements, bariatric surgery, disordered eating, substance use and harm minimization approaches. Arising treatment approaches should consider the existing evidence base, and lessons learned in order to advance the field. High quality publications, studies statistically powered for change, using evidence-based strategies and behaviour change theories, and the involvement of individuals with lived experience to develop and refine interventions are needed to propel the field forward. Using reporting checklists to describe complex interventions [e.g. TIDieR framework (Template for Intervention Description and Replication)] will also be beneficial to inform future research studies, allowing replication and modification as required, and implementation into clinical practice. This perspective discusses existing knowledge in the area of treatment approaches for food addiction.

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Funding

TLB is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant [APP1173681].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

    Janelle A. Skinner, Mark Leary, Megan Whatnall & Tracy L. Burrows

  2. Food and Nutrition Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia

    Janelle A. Skinner, Mark Leary, Megan Whatnall & Tracy L. Burrows

Authors
  1. Janelle A. Skinner
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  2. Mark Leary
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  3. Megan Whatnall
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  4. Tracy L. Burrows
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Contributions

All authors (JS, ML, MW and TB) contributed to the writing and provided critical revision of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tracy L. Burrows.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Skinner, J.A., Leary, M., Whatnall, M. et al. Evidence to action: a perspective on treatment approaches for food addiction. Eur J Clin Nutr (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-025-01668-0

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