Here's a Q&A session by Ashley Gearhardt, PhD, The Yale University Conference on Binge Eating Disorder, Sugar and Food Addiction’s Impact on Treating Eating Disorders.
Visit- https://www.rivermendhealth.com/
Keys to Effective Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder for Health ProfessionalsGreen Mountain at Fox Run
During this webinar for behavioral health and nutrition professionals, we discussed the latest treatment methods and fundamental principles for Binge Eating Disorder.
This unique webinar was led by Kari Anderson, DBH, LPC, CEDS, who will speak from her 25 years of experience treating eating disorders, with a particular emphasis on Binge Eating Disorder.
Kari provides you with actionable steps, concepts, and strategies that can assist your own practice and clients.
You'll Learn:
What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? (Overview)
What is the role of binge eating in patients’ lives – what do they gain by binge eating?
What makes BED different from other eating disorders – and how does that effect treatment?
What type of environment, support, and emphasis is important during BED treatment?
What is the Green Mountain at Fox Run approach to BED treatment, and how can our program assist you and your clients?
Watch the recording of this enlightening 60-minute webinar:
http://bit.ly/1XPAOsQ
The essentials of comprehensive eating disorder treatment presented by Katie Thompson & Erin McGinty. Katie and Erin presented on the goals and objectives when developing a comprehensive treatment plan.
Keys to Effective Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder for Health ProfessionalsGreen Mountain at Fox Run
During this webinar for behavioral health and nutrition professionals, we discussed the latest treatment methods and fundamental principles for Binge Eating Disorder.
This unique webinar was led by Kari Anderson, DBH, LPC, CEDS, who will speak from her 25 years of experience treating eating disorders, with a particular emphasis on Binge Eating Disorder.
Kari provides you with actionable steps, concepts, and strategies that can assist your own practice and clients.
You'll Learn:
What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? (Overview)
What is the role of binge eating in patients’ lives – what do they gain by binge eating?
What makes BED different from other eating disorders – and how does that effect treatment?
What type of environment, support, and emphasis is important during BED treatment?
What is the Green Mountain at Fox Run approach to BED treatment, and how can our program assist you and your clients?
Watch the recording of this enlightening 60-minute webinar:
http://bit.ly/1XPAOsQ
The essentials of comprehensive eating disorder treatment presented by Katie Thompson & Erin McGinty. Katie and Erin presented on the goals and objectives when developing a comprehensive treatment plan.
Recently obesity is becoming one of the psychiatric disorder , we are discussing depression and ADHD associated with obesity , cognitive reconstruction and cognitive behavior therapy steps is discussed , medical therapy used in obesity
Erin McGinty, LPC, Therapist and Program Director at Castlewood Treatment Center presents on the treatment of OCD with Eating Disorder. She explores the use of Exposure and Response Prevention as well as CBT, DBT, and IFS therapy.
Please discuss the primary community resources and partners currently involved with obesity within Comal County of Texas. 2. Attached is a log with fieldwork interviews that I did in Comal County of Texas regarding Obesity. I need you to summarize these interviews. The best way to do it may be to separate it into 3 categories (restaurants, fitness centers, MD offices) just a suggestion. Please add to the interview summary as needed.
This course provides training and CEUs for addicitons counselors and LPCs working in Addictions, Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders will help counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors and addictions professionals get continuing education and certification training to aid them in providing services guided by best practices. AllCEUs is approved by the california Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC), NAADAC, the Association for Addictions Professionals, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Board of Georgia (ADACB-GA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and most states.
DEFINITION
FTT is defined as attained growth Weight of < 3rd percentile on standard growth chart or Weight for height < 5th percentile on standard growth chart or Weight 20% or more below ideal weight for height. OR
Rate of growth less than 20 g/day from birth to 3 months of age or less than 15 g/day from 3 months to 6 months of age or falloff from previously established growth curve or downward crossing of > 2 major percentiles.
ETIOLOGY
The etiology of FTT has traditionally been divided into organic, inorganic and mixed.
Organic FTT; Is a growth symptom of virtually all serious pediatric physical illnesses, such as gastro esophageal reflux, malabsorption syndrome, cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease.
Nonorganic FTT; Is a failure of growth without diagnosable organic disease. It is caused by a psychosocial problem between the infant or child and the mother or other primary caregiver.
Mixed FTT; has both organic and nonorganic causes and cannot be described as either alone.
NOTE:-
The standard classification of dividing the causes of FTT as organic and non-organic is probably not very appropriate. Whether the condition is primarily organic or non-organic in origin, all children who fail to thrive suffer the physical and psychological consequences of malnutrition and are at a significant risk for long-term physical and psycho developmental sequelae. Organic diseases are responsible for less than 20% of cases with FTT. The causes of FTT are as;-
1. INADEQUATE CALORIC INTAKE
• Incorrect formula preparation
• Neglect
• Excessive juice consumption
• Poverty
• Behavioral problem affecting eating
• Non-availability of food
• Misperceptions about diet and feeding practices
• Errors in formula reconstitution
• Dysfunctional parent-child interaction, child abuse and neglect
• Behavioral feeding problem
• Mechanical problems with sucking, swallowing and feeding
• Primary neurological diseases
• Chronic systemic disease resulting in anorexia, food refusal and neurological problems
2. INADEQUATE ABSORPTION
• Cystic fibrosis
• Celiac disease
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Hepatic diseases.
3. INCREASED CALORIC REQUIREMENT
• Hyperthyroidism
• Congenital heart disease
• Chronic immunodeficiency
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Neoplasm
• Chronic or recurrent infection
4. EXCESSIVE LOSS OF CALORIES
• Persistent vomiting
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Renal losses - renal tubular acidosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Inborn errors of metabolism
This is an in dept look about disorders from a psychological standpoint. The disorders talked in this are eating and anxiety disorders. They are looked at from a Biological, Cognitive, and Socio-Cultural standpoints which are the 3 key areas of research in psychology.
Sugar, the New Baddie on the Block
How can the addiction community help the obesity crisis and is sugar really an addiction? How do we currently treat binge eating and the CBT versus 12 step dilemna
How to get involved with Sweet Dreams as an affiliate partner
Recently obesity is becoming one of the psychiatric disorder , we are discussing depression and ADHD associated with obesity , cognitive reconstruction and cognitive behavior therapy steps is discussed , medical therapy used in obesity
Erin McGinty, LPC, Therapist and Program Director at Castlewood Treatment Center presents on the treatment of OCD with Eating Disorder. She explores the use of Exposure and Response Prevention as well as CBT, DBT, and IFS therapy.
Please discuss the primary community resources and partners currently involved with obesity within Comal County of Texas. 2. Attached is a log with fieldwork interviews that I did in Comal County of Texas regarding Obesity. I need you to summarize these interviews. The best way to do it may be to separate it into 3 categories (restaurants, fitness centers, MD offices) just a suggestion. Please add to the interview summary as needed.
This course provides training and CEUs for addicitons counselors and LPCs working in Addictions, Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders will help counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors and addictions professionals get continuing education and certification training to aid them in providing services guided by best practices. AllCEUs is approved by the california Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC), NAADAC, the Association for Addictions Professionals, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Board of Georgia (ADACB-GA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and most states.
DEFINITION
FTT is defined as attained growth Weight of < 3rd percentile on standard growth chart or Weight for height < 5th percentile on standard growth chart or Weight 20% or more below ideal weight for height. OR
Rate of growth less than 20 g/day from birth to 3 months of age or less than 15 g/day from 3 months to 6 months of age or falloff from previously established growth curve or downward crossing of > 2 major percentiles.
ETIOLOGY
The etiology of FTT has traditionally been divided into organic, inorganic and mixed.
Organic FTT; Is a growth symptom of virtually all serious pediatric physical illnesses, such as gastro esophageal reflux, malabsorption syndrome, cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease.
Nonorganic FTT; Is a failure of growth without diagnosable organic disease. It is caused by a psychosocial problem between the infant or child and the mother or other primary caregiver.
Mixed FTT; has both organic and nonorganic causes and cannot be described as either alone.
NOTE:-
The standard classification of dividing the causes of FTT as organic and non-organic is probably not very appropriate. Whether the condition is primarily organic or non-organic in origin, all children who fail to thrive suffer the physical and psychological consequences of malnutrition and are at a significant risk for long-term physical and psycho developmental sequelae. Organic diseases are responsible for less than 20% of cases with FTT. The causes of FTT are as;-
1. INADEQUATE CALORIC INTAKE
• Incorrect formula preparation
• Neglect
• Excessive juice consumption
• Poverty
• Behavioral problem affecting eating
• Non-availability of food
• Misperceptions about diet and feeding practices
• Errors in formula reconstitution
• Dysfunctional parent-child interaction, child abuse and neglect
• Behavioral feeding problem
• Mechanical problems with sucking, swallowing and feeding
• Primary neurological diseases
• Chronic systemic disease resulting in anorexia, food refusal and neurological problems
2. INADEQUATE ABSORPTION
• Cystic fibrosis
• Celiac disease
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Hepatic diseases.
3. INCREASED CALORIC REQUIREMENT
• Hyperthyroidism
• Congenital heart disease
• Chronic immunodeficiency
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Neoplasm
• Chronic or recurrent infection
4. EXCESSIVE LOSS OF CALORIES
• Persistent vomiting
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Renal losses - renal tubular acidosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Inborn errors of metabolism
This is an in dept look about disorders from a psychological standpoint. The disorders talked in this are eating and anxiety disorders. They are looked at from a Biological, Cognitive, and Socio-Cultural standpoints which are the 3 key areas of research in psychology.
Sugar, the New Baddie on the Block
How can the addiction community help the obesity crisis and is sugar really an addiction? How do we currently treat binge eating and the CBT versus 12 step dilemna
How to get involved with Sweet Dreams as an affiliate partner
Understanding and Addressing Food Addiction: A Science-Based Approach to Poli...Center on Addiction
Public health concerns about the escalating obesity epidemic and its far-reaching health consequences, coupled with a growing understanding of the shared features of addiction across its myriad forms, have prompted some scientists to explore the possibility that certain eating behaviors might best be explained through the lens of addiction.
The interest in applying an addiction framework to understanding certain eating behaviors and food-related disorders has grown in recent years. This is a result of a large body of research highlighting the considerable overlap in the characterizing symptoms, risk factors and underlying neurobiological characteristics between substance addiction and what can be thought of as food addiction. It also arises from an attempt to explore how certain types of addictive-like eating might account for pathology that cannot be explained within the context of the currently recognized eating disorders of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The growing interest in food addiction is also partially a result of an increasing awareness that lessons learned with regard to policy, prevention and clinical practice in relation to addictive substances might fruitfully be applied to the realm of food addiction.
Obesity, Weight Loss Surgery and AddictionJulie Dostal
Obesity, Weight Loss Surgery and Addiction: What every bariatric patient should know about their risk for addiction post operatively. Why are bariatric patients at risk? What can one do to prevent addiction after surgery? What is "addiction transfer?"
Research shows that a nutritious diet can significantly improve your chances of successful recovery. It is common sense that eating healthy helps repair damage to mind and body from substance abuse; however, conventional knowledge in the addiction treatment field largely ignores proper nutrition as a vital component to successful recovery.
Battle Against the Bulge - Drop Inches from Your Waist and Never Have to Feel Ashamed of Your Size Ever Again. Inside this eBook, you will discover the topics about the basics on binge eating, signs and symptoms, what are the causes, self help tips for overeaters, stress reduction, using therapy and helping someone else.
February 1st to 7th is Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW), a week dedicated to make echo of the relevance of Eating Disorders, the dangers and risk of people struggling with them and the resources available to help.
Similar to Binge Eating Disorder, Q&A Session, Addictions-The Yale University Conference (20)
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
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Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Evaluation of antidepressant activity of clitoris ternatea in animals
Binge Eating Disorder, Q&A Session, Addictions-The Yale University Conference
1. Session On Binge Eating
Disorder, Addictions- The
Yale University
ConferenceQ&A
Ashley Gearhardt, PhD
2. Can you describe organization
rationale and outcomes of the
“historic” yale conference?
The Yale Conference on Food Addiction was the first gathering of
experts across the fields of addiction, obesity, and feeding behavior to
focus on the question of whether certain foods can be addictive. The
presentations and conferences that took place over the course of that
meeting influenced much of the foundational thought about how
addictive processes may be contributing to overeating and supported
the emergence of this new area of study.
3. How do you describe food addiction
in 10 words or less? How is it different
than sugar addiction?
Compulsive overeating triggered by repeated exposure to highly rewarding
food. While I see (added) sugars as one of the most relevant ingredients to
addictive-like eating, other ingredients also appear to be implicated. For
example, potato chips and French fries are commonly eaten in an addictive-
like way, but they have a low sugar content. They do have a higher starch
content (which is converted to sugar in the body) and fat content. The food
addiction term broadens the scope of focus beyond sugar.
4. Can you describe the genesis, evolution and
validation of yale food addiction scale (YFAS)?
Are some foods most addicting, more addicting
and non-addicting?
• At the time that we first started doing this work, there was no scale to
measure food addiction. Researchers were using obesity as a proxy, which
we had some concerns about. Obesity can be caused by so many factors
(e.g., medication side effects, genetic conditions, physical inactivity), using
it as a marker of an addiction to food is not super precise. We also saw
that some people who had body weights in the normal range were
reporting addictive-like eating, but this was not reflected in their weight
because of dieting practices, physical activity or a fast metabolism.
5. Continue…
• Other approaches out there were the use of self-identification (ex. are you
a chocoholic?), but it was hard to know what this might be capturing. So,
we decided to use the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence (and
now substance use disorders based on the DSM 5) and translate it to apply
to the consumption of highly rewarding foods (e.g., chocolate, salty
snacks). This allowed us to use the same criteria that we would use to
diagnose any other substance use disorder to measure addictive-like
eating.
6. Continue…
• It was also important for us to specify the types of foods that were most likely
implicated in food addiction. We all have to eat, but the type of eating
behavior associated with food addiction is driven not by a need for sustenance,
but to experience pleasure or to fulfill a craving. Our future work has further
borne out that this is not an addiction to the act of eating, but more
specifically to the intake of foods that have artificially high levels of rewarding
ingredients (like refined carbohydrates and fat). As time goes on and more
research comes out, I think one of the next steps will be revising the term of
food addiction to more accurately reflect the types of food that are capable of
triggering an addictive process. Perhaps, highly processed food addiction?
7. Should all psychiatrists evaluating disordered eating
include the yfas and add yfas+ to anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders? Which
clinicians should use the yfas?
• For clinicians evaluating disordered eating, it would be useful to assess for
food addiction by including some version of the YFAS. We have developed
and validated brief versions of the scale (see the modified Yale Food
Addiction Scale 2.0) that can be used to quickly screen for an addictive-like
phenotype. Food addiction and eating disorders appear to be overlapping,
but distinct constructs with about half of individuals with an eating
disorder meeting for food addiction. Individuals with both eating disorders
and food addiction appear to have a more severe variant of the disorder.
8. Continue…
• For example, in binge eating disorder, those with food addiction exhibit more
frequent binge eating episodes, more emotion dysregulation, and greater
impulsivity. In bulimia nervosa, higher levels of food addiction symptoms at
baseline predict worse treatment outcomes in response to a brief psychosocial
treatment. Thus, knowing if an eating disorder patient has also high YFAS
scores may inform clinical care. It is also important to note that about half of
people with food addiction do not meet the requirements for an existing eating
disorder. So, the use of the YFAS may also help understand the eating problems
of people who do not clearly fit into traditional eating disorder categories. We
also see that rates of food addiction are elevated for individuals with
depression and post traumatic stress disorder, so it may also be important to
assess in more general mental health clinics.
9. What are the shared characteristics between binge
eating disorder and food addiction, and what are the
unique?
• The overlap between binge eating disorder and food addiction really is not
that surprising when we step back and look at these conditions from a
mechanistic level. Both binge eating disorder and addiction perspectives
theorize that dysfunction in reward processes, craving, emotion
dysregulation, and inhibitory control difficulties contribute to
overconsumption of food and addictive substances, respectively. There are
some unique aspects to both perspectives to consider as well.
10. What are the shared characteristics between binge
eating disorder and food addiction, and what are the
unique?
• From a traditional eating disorder perspective, the role of shape and
weight concern and attempts at dietary restriction are thought to be
causal. From an addiction perspective, these aspects could still be
considered important, but would not be as central. In contrast, the nature
of the food itself would be extremely important from an addiction
perspective. From a traditional eating disorder perspective, the role of the
food itself is minimized. However, from an addiction perspective, certain
foods (likely highly processed foods) may be so rewarding that they are
capable of triggering addictive changes in reward and motivational
circuitry.
11. What are the relationships between overeating ,
obesity, parental food addiction and feeding
practices? Please explain. What are common
comorbidities you have found for YFAS?
• Research on how food addiction runs in families is only starting to emerge.
In a recent study, we found that parents with higher food addiction scores
also have children with higher food addiction scores. There are a number
of factors that could contribute to this, including genetics, parenting
practices, and the home food environment.
12. What are the relationships between overeating ,
obesity, parental food addiction and feeding
practices? Please explain. What are common
comorbidities you have found for YFAS?
• We definitely need more research on this topic! And we need to provide
parents with tools on how to optimally feed a child who has an addictive-
like drive for highly processed foods. Right now there is very little guidance
out there for parents, but definitely lots of blame. As researchers and
clinicians, we need to do a better job equipping parents with empirically
supported practices that is sensitive to the individual needs of their child. It
is highly unlikely that a one-size fits all approach to feeding is going to be
successful for all children, especially those at risk for food addiction.
13. What are the relationships between overeating ,
obesity, parental food addiction and feeding
practices? Please explain. What are common
comorbidities you have found for YFAS?
• We do see that the YFAS is associated with a number of important co-
morbidities, including obesity, diet-related disease and eating disorders. It
is also associated with depression, PTSD, and gambling. My instinct is that
transdiagnostic treatment approaches that focus on shared mechanisms
across disorders (e.g., emotion regulation, inhibitory control) are going to
be important for addressing these comorbidities.
14. Craving, Liking, and Wanting research is critical to our
understanding of addiction but what about in food
addiction?
• Craving is also essential in the context of food addiction. I think one of the
misconceptions about addiction is that people who struggle are individuals
who just like the drug more, but research hasn’t really born that out.
Instead, it seems to be that people who experience greater wanting and
motivational drive for the substance (regardless of how much pleasure
they get when they actually consume it) are at the greatest risk.
15. Craving, Liking, and Wanting research is critical to our
understanding of addiction but what about in food
addiction?
• This enhanced motivational drive can express itself in the form of conscious
cravings or sometimes automatic approach tendencies that can occur
outside of the person’s awareness. I think that equipping patients with a
greater understanding of what triggers this enhanced motivational drive
for them (e.g., cues in the environment, emotional states) is essential in
giving them back control of their eating behavior.
16. Can you describe the FAST Lab, what you have done in
this lab and what you hope to do going forward?
• At Yale, one of my mentors was Dr. William Corbin and he has a simulated
bar lab. I got to see firsthand how important it was to investigate addictive
behaviors in naturalistic, cue-rich environments. The experience of drinking
a beer in a sterile, clinical room is so different than the typical experience
of consuming alcohol. If we do research only in sterile, hyper-controlled
environments, we don’t see the craving, expectancies and behavior that
are really key to problem drinking. Using Will’s work as an inspiration,
17. Can you describe the FAST Lab, what you have done in
this lab and what you hope to do going forward?
• I created the Food Addiction Science and Treatment lab to create a naturalistic,
cue-rich food environment that resembles a fast food restaurant. It has furniture
and menu boards to resemble a fast food restaurant, all our research assistants
wear a uniform that resembles a fast food worker and it smells like French fries
when the participants walk in. We have been using this lab to identify what are the
mechanisms through which people are prone to overeat (craving being a big one!)
and now we are investigating how neural responses to food advertisements might
predict eating behavior in our fast food restaurant lab.
18. What types of studies are being conducted to evaluate
the relationship between weight loss surgery and
addiction?
• There is interesting work suggesting that individuals who have weight loss surgery are at
greater risk for the development of substance use disorders. Although there are many factors
that likely contribute to this (e.g., different rates of absorption of drugs, increased access to
pain killers after surgery), one hypothesis is that there is an addiction transfer from highly
processed foods to drugs of abuse post-surgery. Dr. Gold was one of the first researchers to
publish work on how individuals who are attempting to quit drugs of abuse are at greater risk
for weight gain and overeating. The research on weight loss surgery suggests this increased
risk might also go the other direction too.
19. What are the 3-5 future directions?
• It is an exciting time to be doing research in this field and there are definitely more
questions than answers. Some big future directions that come to mind for me are
1) identifying why certain foods are more capable of triggering an addictive
process than others, 2) the development of new treatments that take into account
the potentially addictive nature of highly processed foods, 3) investigating how
addictive-like eating may emerge in children and teenagers, and 4) conducting
more detailed research on the withdrawal syndrome that may result from cutting
back on potentially addictive foods.
20. Get Help Now
Call 844-332-5256 to speak to a RiverMend
eating disorder specialist. Our compassionate,
friendly staff will guide you through a free
phone consultation, discuss your treatment
options, and schedule an in-person evaluation
from a physician at one of our RiverMend Health
eating disorder treatment centers.
21. For eating disorder treatment, visit
https://www.rivermendhealth.com/treatment-
programs-eating-disorders.html