Food addiction is a highly debated and misunderstood topic, with many people questioning whether it is an actual medical or mental health condition. People who struggle with intense food cravings and compulsive eating patterns may report that their behaviors resemble other addictions like drug or alcohol dependence. But do our brains and bodies respond to food the same way as other highly addictive substances – or perhaps – are habitual behaviors or a dysfunctional relationship to food to blame? This blog post briefly explores the topic, but we also recommend talking to your Nourish dietitian for a deeper dive.
Q: What is “Food Addiction”?
A: There is actually no widely accepted definition of “food addiction”, however some define it as an excessive consumption of highly processed or “hyper-palatable” foods that contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat. People who feel they have a food addiction experience significant distress related to these types of foods and describe an “out of control” feeling around them.
Q: Why do I see a lot of stories in the media about “Food Addiction” if it isn’t an actual diagnosis?
A: The truth of the matter is, there is not enough research to definitively say that food addiction is a real phenomenon. Most of the research has been conducted on rats and there are very limited human studies. Plus, there are actually very important reasons why we crave hyper-palatable foods that include simple sugars and fat. Way back when we were living in caves and food was scarcer than it is today, we had to seek out foods that would give us the most “bang for the buck” energy-wise to survive. Foods with fat in them provided us more sustained energy and foods with simple sugars like berries and other fruits we found in the environment gave us quick energy to use when running away from predators. Many people who are talking about food addiction on social media and in the mainstream media are not qualified health professionals, and if they are, they are likely not informed on the research.
Q: If it’s not a “Food Addiction” than why do I feel addicted?
A: Diet culture has done us no favors when it comes to its influence on the way we view food. It has led us to categorize foods as either “good” or “bad” creating so many food rules and general anxiety when it comes to eating. This often times leads to restriction of those foods higher in simple sugar or fat. Psychologically, this makes us crave and want these kinds of foods more. This coupled with the fact that we are biologically wired to want these foods to survive can make us feel powerless or out of control around them making it feel as though we have an “addiction” to them.
Q: What should I do if I feel like I am addicted to food?
A: It is a great idea to reach out to a Nourish dietitian and therapist who specialize in screening for disordered eating to identify if it is actually restriction or other factors that are contributing to the feelings of addiction. In truth, all foods can and should be enjoyed in a balanced way and there are professionals out there willing to help you heal your relationship with food.
