Food is essential to survival, and unlike other addictive behaviors, it is normal to eat repeatedly every day, and to look forward to eating for pleasure. But several characteristics separate normal or occasional binge eating from a food addiction. Firstly, food addiction is maladaptive, so instead of enhancing the person’s life, it is detrimental. Food addiction can threaten health, causing obesity, malnutrition, and other problems.
Secondly, it is persistent, so a food addict eats too much food -- often the wrong kinds of food -- too much of the time. We all overeat on occasion, but food addicts overeat every day, and as the individual’s principle way of coping with stress, they experience anxiety if they are unable to do so.
Food, drugs and other addictive substances and behaviors are all associated with pleasure, hedonism, and social, cultural or sub-cultural desirability. When advertising or the people around us tell us that a food, drug or activity will feel good, it sets up a self-fulfilling prophecy. We are more likely to seek it out, and we are more likely to experience pleasure when we indulge.
Causes Of food addiction
Some people who are addicted to food do so because they associate certain foods with comfort. We grow up associating food with celebrations and special occasions of all kinds. Children may be given special treats as a reward for good behavior. Adults may choose special foods to treat themselves for various reasons.
A person who is feeling depressed or stressed may turn to foods containing high amounts of sugar, fat, or salt because of the effect these ingredients have on the brain. These foods act in the same way as endorphins, the body's "feel good" hormones, and the food addict gets a kind of high after eating them. After the effect has worn off, the person feels guilty and more depressed. To feel better, they turn to food, and the cycle repeats.
Effects of food addiction
Not all food addicts are overweight or obese. The addict may suffer from low self-esteem and/or depression, and typically unhappy with their body image. Some people with this kind of addiction issue are depressed to the extent that they consider or even attempt suicide as they find it impossible to overcome a compulsive eating disorder.
Complications and Long Term Effects of Food Addiction
A problem with food addiction can lead to numerous health consequences, including:
Arthritis
Chronic pain
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Kidney disease
Dealing with food addiction
There are a couple of options available to quit overeating. A therapist can help the person stop turning to food to zone out or for comfort and therapy is typically the best bet for those seeking compulsive eating help. The addiction may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as abuse, which needs to be addressed to help the client learn to have a more healthy relationship with food and discover how to stop compulsive overeating.
A support group, such as Overeaters Anonymous or Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, can also be part of the treatment process. As most food addicts tend to suffer from low self-esteem and/or depression, a group like Emotions Anonymous might also be able to help. Sharing experiences and getting support from people who understand the addiction can be an effective part of treatment.
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