Food addiction

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Food addictions are similar to sex addictions in that we cannot put down food and survive. We need to eat, so food addicts need to learn to manage their food intake.

• This relationship may lead to rigid rules about food; to binge eating, self-starving or overeating to the point of obesity. There are many other ways in which the distress might manifest
• The external symptoms and behaviors are driven and maintained by deep feelings of shame, guilt and fear
• In some ways, these behaviors can be seen as a way of managing and containing deep emotional pain and distress
• Eating disorders are not the result of a weak will or some sort of behavioral failing. They are real illnesses in which maladaptive eating patterns become autonomous, taking on a life of their own
• The main types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third type, known as binge eating disorder, has been suggested but has not yet been officially recognized
• Eating disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood, but onset can occur in childhood or later adulthood
• Often there are other emotional difficulties co-existing with an eating disorder. Some common concurrent problems are substance abuse, depression and anxiety disorders
• There may also be serious physical health implications such as heart conditions and kidney failure. In extreme cases, physical complications may lead to death
• It is extremely important that eating disorders be recognized as real and treatable diseases
• An individual suffering with an eating disorder will most likely have an unhealthy relationship with their body
• This may manifest as a distorted body image, preoccupation with and overvaluing the importance of physical appearance, and being confused about internal signals such as hunger, satiety etc
• The severity of these symptoms may seriously interfere with normal aspects of living such as employment, education, relationships and so forth
• A preoccupation with body weight and weight regulation may be another characteristic of an eating disorder. The sufferer may engage in harmful behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics, excessive exercise, or misuse of diet pills

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Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2008.  Feedback - send an email to: