Social and Occupational Impairment Among Individuals with Ultra-processed Food Addiction

Purpose of Review Few studies have focused on the food addiction (FA) symptoms of social and occupational (S/O) impairment. The aim of this article is to review recent literature that reports the prevalence of these symptoms. It also reviews qualitative literature to understand lived experiences of S/O impairment. Recent Findings FA-related S/O impairment appears infrequent (under 20%) among healthy adult controls and unrelated clinical samples (i.e., gambling disorder). This rises to 20–30% in individuals with underweight or higher weight. S/O impairment is even higher among those who meet thresholds for FA or distress or impairment, as well as clinical samples with eating disorders (50–75%). Summary S/O impairment is an understudied and less commonly reported symptom of FA, which appears to increase in frequency with weight concerns, disordered eating, significant distress, or impairment associated with eating, and may be informed by gender. Future studies may benefit from an interview of FA symptoms.