Food addiction: how to recognize and treat it

Food addiction is a psychological disorder characterized by an obsession and dependence on food, a compulsive behavior similar to that seen in other addictions.

But... is this the same as an eating disorder? Unlike the latter, in food addiction:

• There is not excessive concern about weight or body image, but rather an impulse to recurrent overeating, even when not hungry and despite the consequences negative.

• It is also not limited to certain types of foods or specific nutrients, but can manifest with any type of food.

• Related article: "The 14 most important types of addictions"

What defines food addiction?

Food addiction is a disorder in which the person experiences a dependence on food that goes beyond physical hunger, which would be known as emotional hunger.

Among its possible causes and risk factors, we found that may be due to a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, learning, and social factors:

• Biological factors. For example, there are certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, involved in the desire to overeat.
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• Psychological factors. Food addiction can be triggered by a variety of psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, or stress; food can be a way to ease these feelings.
• Environmental factors. The availability of food and/or stressful or unhealthy environments can contribute to the development of food addiction.
• Learning factors. Eating patterns can be learned through early life experiences, as well as being reinforced by advertising and the media.
• Social factors: social pressure and the influence of friends and family with unhealthy eating habits.

Some of the symptoms and signs that can indicate a food addiction are usually eating large amounts of food in a short time, even when not hungry, with Difficulty controlling oneself, resulting in loss of control and mood swings if unable to eat or if attempts are made to limit intake food. This can sometimes lead us to avoid social situations that involve food, such as dinners with friends or family, out of shame or guilt.

• You may be interested in: "Mental health: definition and characteristics according to psychology"

What consequences could it have?

Some of the most visible may be digestive problems (gastroesophageal reflux, pain abdominal pain, diarrhoea...) or the increased risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, diseases cardiac…). However, you can also see effects on a psychological level, such as depression, anxiety, social isolation or sleep problems.

How is it treated?

Regarding treatment, it will be important to acquire skills to manage stress and anxiety without turning to food as a form of relief, identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that contribute to food addiction through cognitive behavioral therapy. It will also be advisable to improve interpersonal relationships and address emotions that can contribute to food addiction, through interpersonal therapies, as well as training in achieving effective coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional triggers that can contribute to addiction to alcohol meal. It is of great importance to be able to count on a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, including psychologists and nutritionists, to determine the best treatment approach for each person.

• Related article: "What is psychotherapy? Main characteristics of this process"

What can I do until I get a professional assessment?:

• It is important identify emotional triggers that can contribute to food addiction, such as stress, anxiety, or sadness; once identified, effective strategies can be developed to manage these triggers in a healthy way, rather than resorting to food.
• Establishes a regular eating pattern to avoid binge eating. Try to eat every three to four hours, and be sure to include all kinds of foods in your diet.
• practice the mindful eating, so you can pay attention to the senses and enjoy food without distractions. Try to appreciate the flavors, smells and textures of food and focus on the experience of eating.
• seek emotional support and encouragement in friends, family, or support groups to help you prevent and treat food addiction.
• keep a healthy life style, which includes physical activities, adequate sleep, social network...

If you can follow these types of recommendations, you will have already started on this path, and with professional help, it will become much more bearable. We walk together?