Food addiction

Do you eat excessively? Do you find yourself constantly giving in to your food cravings, even if you know it’s unhealthy? Does losing weight seem downright impossible?

People with food addictions will eat large amounts of unhealthy foods, even though they know it will cause their bodies harm. No diet or awareness of the potential health dangers seems to help. Food addicts feel they simply cannot control their desires for certain foods, no matter how hard they try.

Why doesn’t dieting work? 

The answer is that certain foods can affect your brain to create an addiction, the same way as drugs. Many junk foods interact with the rewards center of the brain and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. For a food addict, eating junk food in excess is not due to a lack of willpower, but rather, a dopamine signal changing the biochemistry of the brain.

Click here to read Scientific American’s article about how food addiction affects the brain.

Food addiction receives less attention than other addictions since it does not pose an immediate of a threat as drugs. Nevertheless, food addiction can cause serious physical harm such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and arthritis. In addition to the physical dangers, this addiction often leads to various emotional problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Symptoms of food addiction

You may have a food addiction if you suffer from these symptoms:

1. You experience frequent food cravings, despite feeling full.
2. You eat certain foods in excess.
3. You find yourself making excuses about why you need to eat certain foods you are craving.
4. Despite feeling guilty after indulging in a food craving, you find yourself eating that food again shortly after.
5. You have tried dieting and avoiding certain foods, but you have been unable to stop.
6. You hide your unhealthy eating habits from others.
7. You feel unable to control your food intake, even though you are aware of the health dangers.

If you identify with at least 4 of these symptoms, you may have an addiction to food.

Take our quiz to find out if you may be a food addict.

Reach out for help

If you believe your eating habits are the result of more than just normal food cravings, it’s time to take action.

Addictions are not easy to overcome, and almost no one can do it on their own. Support groups, therapy, and rehab can help you regain control over your life, become healthier, and feel better about yourself.

Retorno offers an outpatient center for people struggling with all types of addictions, including food addictions. Our expert staff can help you overcome your addiction to lose weight and live a longer and happier life. Call us today or just fill out the contact form and click Send.