Eating addiction is a very common and hot topic in society. It is a condition that arises from the desire to eat too much of any food and the feeling of happiness that food provides to the person. Although the consumption of foods with high carbohydrate, sugar and fat content such as hamburgers, chocolate and junk foods does not pose a problem in a short time, it can be a serious health problem for a long time.
The desire to eat different foods outside the meals consumed during the day also activates the happiness hormone secreted by the brain. While the consumption of food brings a feeling of relaxation to the individual, if this problem is left untreated, it can bring many physical and mental problems. If it is recognized, it should be treated immediately.
What are the Symptoms of Eating Addiction?
This problem, which is also among behavioral and mood disorders, has many known symptoms. Symptoms do not show themselves in a short time, but it can be made aware of this situation with some questions that the person can ask himself/herself.
Some of the questions can be as follows;
- Am I eating this food because I like it, or am I really hungry?
- Do I find it difficult not to eat?
- Do I still have the desire to eat after eating?
- Do I feel guilty after eating?
The symptoms of this condition can be recognized with questions such as the questions above that the person can ask themselves and gain awareness.
Symptoms of eating addiction include the desire to consume even though the individual has eaten his/her normal meal and the stomach is full. In this case, although the person reaches saturation, there is an ongoing desire to snack after the meal.
On the other hand, consuming more of an eagerly consumed food than one should can also be seen as a different symptom of habituation. For example, a person may say that they only want to have a few pieces of a food. However, in cases where the person cannot relax without continuing the eating process and finishing that food, an eating disorder, which is an impulsive disorder, occurs.
Individuals may have weight problems, conditions that require dieting such as diabetes and blood pressure, and may not be able to control their eating despite the presence of these conditions.
Having a sense of guilt in eating situations and continuing to eat in secret from family members or coworkers indicates that there may be psychological problems.
In Which Situations Does Eating Addiction Increase?
Eating habits are highly related to an individual's mood. Diet programs, especially after physiological disorders, can make an individual eager for many foods. On the other hand, the occurrence of some difficulties in daily life can also increase this condition related to impulse disorders.
People who are under stress and people in stressful living conditions may develop and increase addictions in order to get away from and escape from these problems.
In addition, some pressure and exam periods experienced by children during adolescence can also cause stress in these people, which can lead to an increase in addiction problems.
What Are the Foods That Can Cause Eating Addiction?
Foods that can cause food addiction are mostly foods that are high in sugar, fat and flour, but ready-made products and many other products can also cause addiction.
Foods such as fries, chips, hamburgers and pizza, which are rich in fat, as well as foods such as bread and pasta, which are very high in carbohydrates, also contribute to addiction.
Chocolate, sweets, packaged and ready-to-eat foods that are high in sugar are also among the foods that cause addiction. It is considered healthier to stay away from such eating habits and turn to fruits, vegetables and nuts instead.
Eating Addiction Treatment
As with many other disorders, addiction problems related to eating are treatable. However, for treatment, the individual must be aware of this problem and accept it. Afterwards, these treatments should be carried out by a specialist doctor. For this reason, in these treatments carried out under expert control, impulse disorders are prevented and the problem experienced by the person is eliminated.
There are also some steps to be followed in the treatment process. The steps to be followed in terms of eating addiction treatment can be listed as follows:
- Moderate consumption of foods containing carbohydrates, sugar and fat, which are likely to be addictive
- Not to prefer products with additives during shopping and to prefer healthy products instead
- Keeping healthy products with you frequently to prevent sudden hunger and snack cravings
- Not skipping daily meals
- Preparing a nutrition program under the control of a doctor or dietician
- Learning to cope with stress situations
- Seeking psychological support in cases of prolonged addiction
If these steps do not help in the addiction treatment process and the problem persists, the person should definitely seek support from a psychiatrist and dietitian.