Defining Risky Use in the Context of Food Addiction

Purpose of Review This narrative review examined literature on the risky use diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders as applied to ultra-processed food addiction. Empirical research on the rates of risky use in humans and evidence from animal models are reviewed. Theoretical considerations for conceptualizing the risky use criteria in food addiction and areas for future research are also discussed. Recent Findings Rates of risky use, based on the Yale Food Addiction Scale, are heterogenous across studies, though elevated in clinical samples with disordered eating. Issues regarding operational definitions of risky use may lead to elevated rates, and variability in interpretation of the hazardous use criteria. Animal models suggest that under highly controlled conditions, behaviors indicative of risky use can be observed, yet may lack generalizability to humans. Summary Future work, which examines the clinical utility and diagnostic value of the risky use criterion for ultra-processed food addiction, is warranted.