Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Background & Aim: The field of obesity/problematic eating has shown growing interest in the concept of food addiction (FA). At the heart of operationalizing this concept is the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), a 25-item self-reported questionnaire. Many different versions of the instrument have been adapted, translated and validated. However, the French version still lacks validation among clinical samples. The aim of the present study was thus to validate the French version of the YFAS among individuals suffering from obesity(S1) and individuals suffering from severe obesity awaiting bariatric surgery (S2). Methods: Participants were recruited at the Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre in Quebec city. They filled out the French version of the YFAS, as well as questionnaires assessing variables related and unrelated to FA. Exploratory factor analyses and correlational analyses were conducted. Results: For both samples, results suggested a one-factor structure, with factor loadings higher than 0.50 and a good internal consistency (KR20=0.85; KR20=0.78). Some problematic items were identified, due to extremely high or low endorse mentrates. As for construct validity, results revealed significant correlations between FA and binge eating (r=0.63; r=0.64), cravings (r=0.49; r=0.64) and impulsivity (r=0.29; r=0.23), but an absenceof correlationbetween FA and restraint (r=0.18; r=0.18) and alcohol use (r=-0.01; r=-0.02). Conclusion: This study helped established the validity of the French version of the YFAS for use in clinical samples. As previously stated in the literature, it would be important to reconsider certain items, especially when applied to individuals presenting severe obesityand/or long-term eating difficulties.

Biography

Email: nne-sophie.ouellette.1@ulaval.ca