For most people, eating is a fun and social activity. But for some people eating becomes and obsession and a compulsion. Individuals who suffer from a food addiction either eat too much or eat too little, and they suffer psychological pain from their actions. Within the context of a food addiction, the act of eating, body weight, and body image become an obsession that ruins relationships and causes serious medical issues.
A food addiction is a process mental disorder. It refers to the compulsive, obsessive craving for and eating of food. It is similar to alcohol and drug addiction but the addiction is to a process not a substance. It is marked by a preoccupation with food, the availability of food and the anticipation of the good feelings derived from eating food. Food addiction involves the repetitive eating of food when an individual knows that they should not eat in this way. This may result in a loss of control and preoccupation or the restriction of food and/or preoccupation with weight and body image.
Some signs and symptoms that point to a possible food addiction are: - Eating when not hungry
- Eating when feeling low or depressed
- Eating in secret or eating differently in front of others than when alone
- Consuming large amounts of food and then purging later with vomiting or laxatives.
- Eating foods that are known to be harmful to the individual consuming them
- Experiencing feelings of guilt
The phrase “food disorder” usually refers to compulsive eating, compulsive overeating or a binge eating disorder. “Eating disorder” is typically used interchangeably with the phrase “food disorder.” However eating disorder it often used to refer to anorexia and bulimia.
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by intense fear of gaining weight.
Some signs may include obsessively weighing oneself, excessively viewing body parts, and using a mirror to check body size. Weight loss is viewed as an achievement and proof of extraordinary self-discipline and control. Physical side effects may include cessation of menstrual cycle, signs of starvation, hair loss, bloating, yellowish palms and soles of feet, dry, pasty skin, and heart trouble
Bulimia Nervosa is described as binge eating and purging to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia eat extremely fast and will eat until painfully full. The are typically ashamed of their eating behavior and attempt to conceal it. 80-90% of bulimics induce vomiting (purging). Some bulimics excessively use laxatives, fasting and excessive exercise. Physical effects may include, loss of dental enamel, increase of cavities, swollen saliva glands, calluses, scars on hands, irregular menstrual cycle, constipation, gastric disorders and dehydration
Compulsive Overeaters use food to numb unpleasant feelings or to feel good. The individual becomes addicted to the feelings induced by the consumption of food. Overeaters demonstrate uncontrollable binge eating consuming large quantities of food. They do not obsess about weight control or body image. Most compulsive overeaters present with moderate to severe obesity. Binge eating episodes consist of carbohydrates and junk food with most binges done in scheduled secrecy.
Night Eating Syndrome is a disorder where an individual wakes up several times during the night and is unable to fall back asleep unless they eat something. Foods eaten during the binge are often high in calories and unhealthy. The night eating behavior seems totally beyond the effected individual's control almost as if they were sleep walking. Following the night binge, the person is often not hungry in the morning and they eat less during the day. Possible causes for Night Eating Syndrome include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction.
The co-occurring disorders that commonly exist with food addiction can include:
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Food Allergies
Many food addicts will not even realize they have a problem. It seems to be a way of life not a problem. Sometimes an intervention from family and friends are the only way the food addict is able to admit that they have a problem. Early detection and intervention is important for the individual’s chances of recovery. It is important to look for the following early warning signs:
- Obsessed with food.
- Eats to relieve worry or stress.
- Eats until they feel so full they are sick.
- Feelings of anxiety while eating which results in more eating.
- Overeats because the food is available.
- Eats fast so they can eat more.
- Eats everything on the plate even when they feel full.
- Feels guilty when they overeat.
- Hides food so they can eat in secret out of sight.
- Goes on a food binge after dieting.
- Views food as something to be avoided.
Steps to begin healing from addictive eating are as follows:
- Seek medical and professional counseling
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Consume healthy foods and nutrient supplements
- Exercise
- Work on personal development and spiritual growth
Food Addiction Treatment
Treating a food addiction requires intense discipline in modifying eating behaviors and lifestyle. A manageable exercise program should be included along with dietary changes. It is always suggested to contact an eating disorder professional or eating disorder program for an evaluation and medical monitoring. Inpatient programs are the preferred choice for eating disorder treatment. Cognitive Behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and 12 step groups can be helpful in treating food addiction.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is addicted to food, it is important that you consult a doctor or health professional