Condition

Food Addiction

Mental health

Overview

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to compulsively use a substance or engage in an activity despite the harm it causes to the person’s life, relationships, responsibilities, or health. Food addiction is similar to addictions with drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, internet use, and other behaviors. In food addiction, eating a particular food or a particular amount of food can trigger uncontrollable cravings for more food. This addiction typically involves eating salty, sugary, or carbohydrate-rich foods for satisfaction.

The cravings that a food addict will have to eat are so strong that the addict cannot control them and in many cases, food addiction will lead to a deteriorated quality of life. Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual happiness and well-being are all effected by food addiction. Once an individual who is addicted to food eats and experiences the “high” or pleasurable state that they feel when they are done eating, they will quickly feel the need to eat more or to eat again to feel that feeling.

Various types of food addiction exist. Some food addictions are marked by an individual’s desire to consume large amounts of food at one time (binge eating) while others are characterized by the obsession that an individual has with food (bulimia). Food addiction can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

Food addiction can be treated, but there is no cure. It is a long-term disease that people must learn to manage. Most treatment plans for addiction involve abstinence from certain foods, cognitive therapy, and peer support programs.

Symptoms

Inability to control cravings for food or to control amount of food that is eaten
Trying many different weight loss or diet programs but still excessively consuming food
Vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising in excess to avoid weight gain as a result of over consumption of food
Social symptoms of food addiction include:
Eating behind closed doors to prevent others from seeing what you are eating or how much
Avoiding social interactions because you feel like you cannot be around others due to a lack of ability to control your eating
Avoiding social interactions because you do not feel like you look good enough or have clothes that fit correctly due to your eating habits
Stealing food from others
Obsessing over food and paying more attention to the food that is being served than to those friends or family members who you will be consuming the food with
Feeling ashamed about your weight
Feeling depressed or sad about your weight or self-image
Feeling hopeless when it comes to losing weight
Eating when upset or depressed
Eating as a reward for a job well done
Eating when you are not hungry
Becoming anxious or irritable when eating certain foods or when not eating or if there does not seem to be enough food

Causes & risk factors

There are no specific causes of food addiction. Most likely, food addiction is caused by a combination of factors: physical allergy, mental obsession, and personality traits (fear, doubt, insecurity, and negativity). Together, these factors drive the addict to repeated, destructive behaviors and a dependence on food or eating in order to cope.

When to get help

Reach out to a doctor or counselor if cravings or loss of control around food are harming your health or well-being. Support and treatment can help you regain control.

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All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.