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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Mar;30(2):85-95.
doi: 10.1002/erv.2878. Epub 2021 Dec 24.

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

Dafiny R S Praxedes  1 , André E Silva-Júnior  2 , Mateus L Macena  1 , Ana Débora Oliveira  1 , Kamyla S Cardoso  1 , Lara O Nunes  1 , Maíra B Monteiro  1 , Ingrid Sofia V Melo  3 , Ashley N Gearhardt  4 , Nassib Bezerra Bueno  1   2
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Free article
Meta-Analysis

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

Dafiny R S Praxedes et al. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2022 Mar.
Free article

Erratum in

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.

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