Dr. Ashley Gearhardt

Biography

Ashley Gearhardt is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Yale University, where she focused on how certain foods can trigger addictive processes. Gearhardt is known for developing the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), which helps operationalize addictive eating behaviors. Her research suggests a strong link between binge eating episodes and obesity, exploring the neural activation patterns implicated in these addictive behaviors. With over 100 academic publications to her name, her work has been widely cited and translated into multiple languages. Her research interests include food advertising, the activation of reward systems in eating behavior, and the development of food preferences and eating patterns in infants. Gearhardt's findings have been featured in prominent media outlets, indicating the impact of her work in the field of psychology and Public Health.

Research Interests