Food addiction: How it works & what you can do about it
Food addiction is a new term that has gained more popularity lately. It isn’t caused by a lack of willpower or discipline—it’s actually more complicated. In fact, a food addiction may affect the brain in a similar way to a drug addiction (1).
This article explains how food addiction works and offers strategies for managing it.
How does food addiction work?
A food addiction starts in an area of the brain called the reward system. The reward system makes “feel-good” chemicals such as dopamine when you do things that help survival, like eating (2).
Unhealthy foods (ice cream, soda, etc.) trigger a much larger dopamine release than healthier foods (fruits, vegetables) (3), and animal studies show that this pattern affects the same brain areas as drug addiction, causing intense cravings and tolerance over time (4, 5).
If left untreated, food addiction can lead to serious physical and mental health issues.
Common signs of food addiction
- Cravings despite feeling full
- Eating to the point of discomfort or illness
- Guilt after eating, yet inability to stop
- Making excuses for eating habits
- Difficulty quitting despite physical problems
- Eating habits negatively affecting relationships
Summary
Food addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, causing excessive dopamine release in response to junk foods, leading to cravings, tolerance, and behaviors similar to drug addiction.
What can you do about it?
While there’s no quick fix, these strategies can help manage and overcome food addiction:
- Keep trigger foods out of the house
- Seek support from friends and family
- Try a 12-step program for food addiction
- Follow a structured meal plan or eating pattern
- Work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist
- Speak with a psychologist or psychiatrist
Summary
Overcoming food addiction takes time and support. Implementing structured strategies and seeking professional help can lead to lasting change.
