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Review
. 2015 Mar:20:79-85.
doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.10.002. Epub 2014 Oct 17.

Food and addiction among the ageing population

Susan Murray  1 , Cindy Kroll  2 , Nicole M Avena  3
Affiliations
Review

Food and addiction among the ageing population

Susan Murray et al. Ageing Res Rev. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Obesity among the elderly is a growing public health concern. Among the various factors that may contribute to the current rates of obesity is the rewarding aspect of highly palatable foods and beverages, which may lead to overconsumption and excess caloric intake. The present review describes recent research supporting the hypothesis that, for some individuals, the consumption these highly palatable foods and beverages may lead to the development of addictive-like behaviors. In particular, the authors consider the relevance of this hypothesis to the ageing population.

Keywords: Ageing population; Food addiction; Obesity; Overweight; Palatable food; Reward.

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