Food addiction

Food holds significant importance in our lives, not only as a form of sustenance but also as a source of pleasure. For many people, the pleasure they get from eating can quickly spiral into a pattern of uncontrollable cravings. Food addiction, also known as compulsive eating, is a disorder that can negatively impact your life in so many ways, but it is possible to overcome this with professional help.

What is food addiction?

Food addiction is a complex condition characterised by repetitive and uncontrollable patterns of overeating, or “bingeing”. Similar to other addictions, food addiction is accompanied by an intense preoccupation with food and an inability to stop consuming food despite any negative consequences.

If you are suffering from food addiction, you may find yourself caught in vicious cycles of binge eating and subsequent feelings of guilt and shame.

What causes food addiction?

A combination of several factors usually influences the development of food addiction. These factors may work together to both cause and exacerbate the condition.

Some of these factors include:

• Neurochemical changes in the brain: Certain foods, particularly those high in sugar, fat and salt, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. This stimulates the brain’s reward system, leading to an increasing desire for more food.
• Genetic predisposition: Genetics play a big role in the development of addictions, including food addiction. Your genetic makeup can therefore make you more vulnerable to compulsive eating.
• Mental health and emotional issues: Stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness can influence food addiction if food is used as a means to cope or self-soothe.
• Environmental factors: Factors such as food marketing, large portion sizes and constant exposure to tempting food options contribute to the overconsumption of unhealthy foods and the reinforcement of addictive eating patterns.

More than one of these factors may come into play depending on the individual person and their circumstances.

Am I addicted to food?

Everyone indulges in a little too much food from time to time, but this does not necessarily mean you have a food addiction. Take a moment to answer the following questions to determine if you could be suffering from this condition:

• Do you constantly think about food and feel an overwhelming urge to eat food?
• Do you find it difficult to stop eating, even when you are full?
• Do you frequently consume larger quantities of food than intended?
• Do you eat food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or other negative emotions?
• Do you experience feelings of shame, guilt or embarrassment surrounding your eating habits?
• Has your relationship with food had a significant impact on your physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships or overall quality of life?

If you recognise any of the above signs in yourself, it is possible that you have an addiction to food. Reaching out for help may feel daunting, but taking that step towards recovery can turn your life around for the better.

The side effects of food addiction

Food addiction is a damaging disorder with a wide range of detrimental effects that span every area of your life.

Physical health

Constantly consuming calorie-dense foods can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity. This leads to a higher risk of developing various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and other obesity-related complications. The consumption of nutrient-poor, processed foods can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and a compromised immune system.

Mental health

The continual struggle with cravings, guilt and shame associated with compulsive overeating can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and a negative body image. This emotional distress can further perpetuate the addictive cycle, as you may turn to food for comfort or emotional relief.

Relationships

Food addiction can interfere with social interactions and relationships, with feelings of embarrassment or guilt related to eating behaviours often leading to social withdrawal and isolation. You may try to avoid any social situations involving food or feel too self-conscious to leave your home. This isolation can exacerbate your food addiction and contribute to a sense of loneliness.

Finances

Frequent consumption of highly processed foods can place a significant financial burden on those suffering from food addiction. This, along with the potential medical expenses associated with health issues, can put a strain on your personal finances.

Can I overcome food addiction?

With the right strategies and support in place, it is possible to overcome food addiction. Oasis Runcorn offers intensive and effective rehab treatment for anyone ready to make positive changes and develop a healthier relationship with food.

We offer a caring and compassionate environment where you can focus solely on your recovery, away from the distractions and triggers of daily life. While traditional detox is not a requirement of food addiction treatment, you will learn to abstain from unhealthy foods and have emotional support through the process. Our skilled therapists will work with you to determine the root cause of your reliance on food and help you to overcome co-occurring issues that may be keeping you trapped in binge-eating cycles.

Some of the therapies offered at Oasis Runcorn include:

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Helps you to accept and manage your emotions in a healthy way.
• Group therapy: Offers a support network and builds bonds between others in similar circumstances.
• Family therapy: Helps both you and your family members navigate food addiction and develop communication skills.
• Relapse prevention: Build a relapse prevention plan so that you can take proactive steps to avoid food addiction relapse once you leave rehab.

Oasis Runcorn promotes a healthy lifestyle through supportive treatments, including yoga, meditation, self-esteem and self-worth workshops, and daily walks. Our in-house chef will also cook delicious, nourishing meals for you to enjoy daily.

Helping a loved one with food addiction

If you believe that a family member is struggling with food addiction, you will likely want to do everything you can to help. While the journey ahead may be challenging, your understanding can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here are some ways you can provide support:

• Educate yourself on food addiction: Take time to research food addiction and its causes. This will help you to understand the nature of this condition and enable you to empathise with your loved one’s situation.
• Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your loved one to share their feelings and experiences related to food addiction. Encourage them to express their emotions and be an active listener.
• Be kind and understanding: Recognise that food addiction is a complex issue – your loved one may face difficulties in managing their eating behaviours. Show empathy and understanding rather than blaming or shaming them.
• Talk to them about rehab: Try to encourage your loved one to seek professional help and explore treatment options with them.
• Avoid enabling behaviours: Do not participate in or encourage them to overeat and avoid providing access to trigger foods.

Supporting someone with food addiction can be emotionally demanding, so it is important to take care of your own wellbeing as well. Build a support network of friends and family, engage in stress-reducing activities and maintain boundaries. By taking care of yourself, you will be better equipped to provide support to your loved one.

A healthier relationship with food

Regaining control over food and harmful eating habits is a transformative journey that ends with your happiness and wellbeing. As you develop a healthier relationship with food, you will notice a variety of benefits, including:

• Increased energy levels and vigour
• Improved mental focus and clarity
• Better physical health
• Growing self-confidence
• Sense of empowerment
• Improved relationships

If you are ready to discover a new you and embark on your food addiction recovery, our dedicated team will support you every step of the way. Contact us today to hear more about our food addiction programme.

Frequently asked questions