DSM-IV recognized eating disorders: Binge eating, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia nervosa. These conditions cause severe impairment and serious adverse consequences. Obesity is not currently recognized as a psychiatric disorder despite: Numerous adverse health outcomes Psychological ramifications, and Social problems. In some circumstances, obesity is characterized by: Compulsive consumption of food, Inability to restrain from further intake of food despite negative consequences, A desire to cut back, and Increasing amounts of food needed to reach satiety. These symptoms are remarkably similar to the DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse and dependence: -preoccupation -escalation -tolerance -denial -series of medical, psychological, and social consequences that relate directly to continued use. Some researchers hypothesize that some forms of obesity, and a related contributing behavior, binge eating, may manifest secondary to or along with a “food addiction”. References: APA. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4^th edition text revision (DSM-IV-TR).Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.

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