The Role of Emotional Dysregulation in the Development of Eating Disorders, Obesity, and Food Addiction

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity epidemic is mainly caused by food addiction. The research paper discusses the literature based on model of food addiction and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for substance use disorders (DSM-5). Emotion Regulation Strategies play a key role in the study of the factors causing food addiction; in this regard, negative emotions related to interpersonal experiences (i.e., frustration, impulsivity, loneliness, etc.) are considered as significant. Individuals with food addiction tend to sneak in and suppress unwanted emotions, which in turn leads to psychopathological thoughts and symptoms.  It should also be noted that experimental studies establish a causal relationship with the physiological criteria of substance addiction, such as social impairment and repeated use despite negative consequences. It indicates the drug potential for overdose of the above food, which implies intense craving.