Food Addiction

What is food addiction?

Food addiction is a condition in which individuals experience a loss of control over their eating behaviour, typically involving compulsive consumption of highly palatable foods (often rich in sugar, fat, or salt) despite negative consequences. Food addiction is not an officially diagnosed condition in the UK, but has an overlap with Binge Eating Disorder. 

How common is food addiction?

Food addiction is estimated to affect 5–10% of the population, though some studies suggest higher rates. It often overlaps with other eating disorders like binge eating disorder.

Is food addiction serious?

Yes. Food addiction can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and significant mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and shame.

When and how to get help with food addiction

If you feel out of control around food, frequently overeat despite wanting to stop, or feel guilt and distress after eating, it’s important to seek help from a GP or specialist.

How to know if you have food addiction

• Cravings for certain foods even when full
• Loss of control when eating specific foods
• Continued eating despite negative consequences
• Hiding food or eating in secret
• Feeling guilt or shame after eating

Typical signs and symptoms of food addiction

• Frequent overeating or bingeing episodes
• Emotional distress related to eating
• Withdrawal-like symptoms when restricting certain foods
• Obsessive thoughts about food

Complications of untreated food addiction

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Emotional disorders (anxiety, depression)
• Social isolation

What causes food addiction?

• Altered brain reward pathways (dopamine response)
• Emotional trauma or chronic stress
• Habitual use of food as emotional comfort
• Highly processed food products engineered to be addictive

Risk factors for developing food addiction

• Family history of addiction or eating disorders
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Chronic dieting or food restriction
• Co-existing mental health conditions

Is food addiction hereditary or lifestyle-based?

Both. Genetics may influence susceptibility, but environment, habits, and emotional regulation play major roles.

How is food addiction diagnosed?

While not formally recognised in all medical diagnostic manuals, food addiction can be assessed using tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) by trained professionals.

Tests and assessments used to identify food addiction

• Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS)
• Clinical interviews
• Psychological evaluations
• Medical checks for associated conditions (e.g., blood sugar, cholesterol)

Medical treatment for food addiction

• Psychological therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Treatment for co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety
• In rare cases, medication to stabilise mood

Therapies and interventions for food addiction

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• 12-step programmes (e.g., Overeaters Anonymous)
• Nutritional counselling
• Support groups

Do medications help with food addiction?

Medications may be used to treat underlying conditions, but are not the primary treatment. Therapy and behaviour change are key.

Lifestyle changes to manage food addiction

• Develop structured, balanced meal plans
• Avoid trigger foods and environments
• Focus on stress management and sleep hygiene
• Seek psychological support to manage underlying conditions and triggers
• Practice mindful eating techniques

Home remedies and self-help for food addiction

• Keep a food and emotion journal
• Build a daily routine with non-food coping strategies
• Create a supportive environment

When should you get medical help for food addiction?

• If eating habits feel out of control
• If emotional or physical health is impacted
• If previous attempts to change behaviour haven’t worked

Food addiction in children

Often tied to emotional regulation and family eating habits. Early support is essential.

Food addiction during pregnancy

Emotional and hormonal changes can heighten food cravings and compulsive eating.

Food addiction in older adults

Can be linked to loneliness or lifelong disordered eating patterns.

Can you prevent food addiction?

While not always preventable, promoting a healthy relationship with food and emotional wellbeing can reduce risk.

Tips to reduce your risk of food addiction

• Encourage intuitive and mindful eating
• Avoid overly restrictive diets
• Address emotional triggers early
• Limit ultra-processed food intake

Living with food addiction

Recovery focuses on building a positive relationship with food, managing emotional triggers, and maintaining consistent support.

How to manage food addiction in the long term

• Ongoing therapy or support groups
• Monitoring for relapse triggers
• Continued focus on mental health and lifestyle stability

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

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