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Introduction
The idea of food addiction has gained a lot of attention in recent years, as obesity rates continue to rise around the world. Many people struggle with overeating and find it difficult to resist certain foods, leading to a cycle of guilt and shame. The concept of food addiction suggests that there may be a biological explanation for this behavior, and that certain foods may be especially “rewarding” to the brain, leading to a kind of addiction.
To help look at the evidence in this area, our guest in this episode is Dr. Charlotte Hardman, who is a leading researcher in the field of appetite and obesity. Dr. Hardman’s research focuses on the psychological and biological processes that contribute to overeating and obesity. She is particularly interested in the concept of “food addiction,” which suggests that certain foods may be addictive and lead to compulsive overeating, similar to substance addiction.
In this podcast, we will explore the latest research on food addiction with Dr. Hardman. We will delve into the evidence for and against the idea of food addiction, as well as discuss the potential implications for public health and policy. Join us as we explore this fascinating topic and learn more about the complex relationship between food and the brain.
Related resources
- Dr. Hardman’s univeristy page
- Twitter:
- Further Reading:
- Carter et al., 2020 – Food Addiction and Eating Addiction: Scientific Advances and Their Clinical, Social and Policy Implications
- Ruddock et al., 2019 – Obesity Stigma: Is the ‘Food Addiction’ Label Feeding the Problem?
- Rogers & Hardman, 2015 – Food reward. What it is and how to measure it
- Article: Here’s why we crave food even when we’re not hungry
- Is there acceptance or rejection of the validity of a food addiction diagnosis?
- Attention & cue responsivity
- Does the label of “food addiction” have the potential to cause stigma?
- Is sugar actually cocaine? Understanding what fMRI images mean.
- Is there a connection between self-proclaimed food addiction and food reward?
- Distinguish between “palatability” and “liking”
Guest Information
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Dr. Hardman leads a programme of research focused on appetite and obesity, and the psychological determinants of healthy and sustainable food choices.
Dr. Hardman has published close to 100 peer-reviewed articles in international scientific journals. She received her PhD from Bangor University, and has held post-doctoral research positions at Bangor University and the University of Bristol, prior to joining the University of Liverpool.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
The idea of food addiction has gained a lot of attention in recent years, as obesity rates continue to rise around the world. Many people struggle with overeating and find it difficult to resist certain foods, leading to a cycle of guilt and shame.
The concept of food addiction suggests that there may be a biological explanation for this behavior, and that certain foods may be especially “rewarding” to the brain, leading to a kind of addiction.
To help look at the evidence in this area, our guest in this episode is Dr. Charlotte Hardman, who is a leading researcher in the field of appetite and obesity. Dr. Hardmanʼs research focuses on the psychological and biological processes that contribute to overeating and obesity. She is particularly interested in the concept of “food addiction,” which suggests that certain foods may be addictive and lead to compulsive overeating, similar to substance addiction.
In this podcast, we will explore the latest research on food addiction with Dr. Hardman. We will delve into the evidence for and against the idea of food addiction, as well as discuss the potential implications for public health and policy. Join us as we explore this fascinating topic and learn more about the complex relationship between food and the brain.
Connection to Previous Episodes
#76: Nicole Avena, PhD – Hedonic Eating, Food Reward & Claims About “Sugar
Addiction”
- In this episode neuroscience research Dr. Nicole Avena discussed some of her research and the mechanisms that are at play in relation to hedonic eating.
- We also touched on the topic of “food addiction” and “sugar addiction”, as well as how eating affects the reward center of the brain.
- You can find the episode page here.
