A conversation about food addiction

Question 1: “What Is food addiction?”

It is a substance use disorder, as yet institutionally unrecognized, defined by a biochemical sensitivity to some foods and food-like substances.

Question 2: “How can you be addicted to something you need to survive? What's next, air addiction?”

Well, maybe it's not the best name, because, for example, Alcoholics Anonymous isn't called "Fluids Anonymous." People with addictions do need to eat and drink, but have to be careful not to ingest substances that lead them into physical and emotional pain.

Question 3: “How does food addiction differ from other disordered eating?”

Well, maybe it's not the best name, because, for example, alcoholics anonymous isn't called "Fluids Anonymous." People with addictions do need to eat and drink, but have to be careful not to ingest substances that lead them into physical and emotional pain.

Question 4: “What are trigger foods?”

Though some substances, such as refined sugar, are cited by many food addicts, the fact is that trigger foods vary from person to person. By seeking treatment and/or finding community with others who have self- identified as having food addiction, they can begin to explore what their own trigger foods might be.

Question 5: “What do I do once I've identified a trigger food of mine?”

Abstain from it. Many in the world of nutrition will advocate for moderation, and that works for many who have eating disorders. But those with Food Addiction find they are happier when they are free from their problem foods, regardless of whether those foods still appeal to them.

Question 6: “So, I just cut out my trigger foods, and all is good?”

Well, perhaps, for some. Many with food addiction have emotional and spiritual deficits - all up to each individual to explore, consider, and accept and they benefit from professional treatment and engaging in community with others who self-identify as having the same or similar struggles.

Question 7: “Is ‘Food Addiction’ even a thing anymore? I've heard they're calling it ‘ultra-processed food addiction,’ or even ‘ultra-processed food substance use disorder.’"

There's the condition, and there's what the condition is called. These name changes are connected to efforts - that we endorse completely! - to have the condition recognized in diagnostic manuals so that, among other effects, Food Addiction treatment will be reimbursable by insurance. The Food Addiction Institute believes that ultra-processed foods play a very strong role in Food Addiction, but that Food Addiction is not limited to ultra-processed food.

Question 8: “How about the new drugs that are said to combat overeating?”

We do not hold the corner on what is best for everyone. But just like bariatric surgery, such drugs may address the physical manifestations of overeating, without addressing the reasons why people reached to the point of needing drugs or surgery. Many addicts of many substances and behaviors have found relief by addressing the emotional, mental, and spiritual factors that led them to act out in the first place. Practicing abstinence reinforces those efforts, and those efforts reinforce abstinence.

Question 9: “You talk a lot, but does science have anything to say about this?”

Yes. Yes it does. Go here and read the dozens of peer-reviewed articles. Research shows that some foods and food-like substances light up the same areas of the brain that cocaine, alcohol, and other substances and behaviors do.

Question 10: “Come on. Those are real drugs. No one ever robbed the corner store for money so they could score with their Twinkies dealer, and no one ever got pulled over for driving while eating.”

That's true. The substances and behaviors abused by addicts do affect them in different intensities, and therefore drive addicts to different behaviors. But one need only look to the world health organization for statistics on how fast obesity is increasing in all populations, or how those with obesity die sooner on average than those without it, to know that the effects on food addicts are substantial enough.

Question 11: “Are you saying that all obesity is explained by food addiction?”

Excellent question! And, absolutely not. Disordered eating arises from many causes. What raises Food Addiction to the level of substance-use disorder is the biochemistry involved in trigger foods. Taking treatment for Food Addiction will likely help anyone who suffers from disordered eating, but is crucial to those who experience the phenomenon of craving.

Question 12: “Why does it matter that ‘“Food Addiction is real?’”

Because when it is recognized in the canon of substance use disorders, treatment for it will be reimbursable by insurance. Food Addiction treatment has existed for decades, but it has remained out of the financial reach of most people, and placed a heavy financial burden on the rest.

Q13: What are the behaviors of people who have food addiction?

Getting a food one craves, no matter the time of day or night; grazing (eating/snacking all day long); and volume eating, which may be bingeing for more than two hours, are three behaviors that help define Food Addiction.

Who is a food addict?