Food reinforcement architecture: A framework for impulsive and compulsive overeating and food abuse

The present study presents a novel food reinforcement architecture that addresses the drivers of susceptibility to food cues and overeating, beyond fullness. The model combines reinforcement and decision-making principles to identify maladaptive eating habits leading to obesity. It highlights two paths to overeating: hedonic targeting of food cues and lack of satiation, resulting in impulsive and compulsive overeating. By using neuroscience and psychology, the model aims to map overeating and obesity, enabling early intervention for at-risk individuals. Understanding aberrant reinforcement learning processes may help combat food abuse and obesity effectively.