What is the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) primarily designed to identify?

• A. People with general obesity.
• B. People who overeat regardless of type.
• C. People most likely to show markers of substance dependence related to high fat/high sugar foods.
• D. People who binge eat.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the Yale Food Addiction Scale identifies addiction-like responses to foods, especially those high in fat and sugar, using criteria similar to substance-dependence. It looks for patterns such as cravings, loss of control, tolerance, withdrawal, and impairment linked to eating these highly palatable foods. This focus distinguishes it from general obesity or overeating, which can occur without addiction-like symptoms, and from binge eating as a separate diagnostic condition. In short, it flags people most likely to show markers of substance dependence related to high fat/high sugar foods.