Wiss DEFANG (Download)

Incorporating Food Addiction into Disordered Eating: The Disordered Eating Food Addiction Nutrition Guide (DEFANG)

David A. Wiss, MS, RDN; Nutrition in Recovery LLC

Timothy D. Brewerton, MD, DFAPA, FAED, DFAACAP, HCEDS; Medical University of South Carolina

DEFANG Abstract

Although not formally recognized by the DSM- 5, food addiction (FA) has been well described in the sci- entific literature. FA has emerged as a clinical entity that is recognized within the spectrum of disordered eating, par- ticularly in patients with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and/or co-occurring addictive disorders and obe- sity. Integrating the concept of FA into the scope of dis- ordered eating has been challenging for ED treatment professionals, since there is no well-accepted treatment model. The confusion surrounding the implications of FA, as well as the impact of the contemporary Westernized diet, may contribute to poor treatment outcomes. The purpose of this review is twofold. The first is to briefly explore the relationships between EDs and addictions, and the second is to propose a new model of conceptualizing and treating EDs that incorporates recent data on FA. Since treatment for EDs should vary based on individual assessment and diagnosis, the Disordered Eating Food Addiction Nutrition Guide (DEFANG) is presented as a tool for framing treatment goals and helping patients achieve sustainable recovery.

DEFANG Fig I (Download)

This publication is Open Access and can be viewed and downloaded online HERE

David Wiss

David became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in 2013 and founded Nutrition in Recovery, a group practice of RDNs specializing in treating eating and substance use disorders. In 2017, David received the “Excellence in Practice” award at the National Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. The California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics awarded him the “Emerging Dietetic Leader Award” in 2020. He earned his Ph.D. from UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health in the Community Health Sciences department (with a minor in Health Psychology) by investigating the links between adverse childhood experiences and various mental health outcomes among socially disadvantaged men. His treatment philosophy is based on a biopsychosocial model which incorporates an understanding of biological mechanisms, psychological underpinnings, and contextual factors that integrate the social determinants of health. Wise Mind Nutrition's website offers a fully online interactive treatment program in Spring 2023.