Is Food Addiction A Craving You Can't Control?

When do you consider yourself to be a food addict? This is a very important question, and the answer could be the key to determining what should you do in order to lose weight. In the medical world the food addiction is considered as serious as nicotine, and in some cases proved to be deadly.

Generally, you notice the food addiction as an overwhelming desire for a particular food, and if you don't consume that food, you experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and depression. The cravings for that particular food may be both physical and psychological. There are different varieties of food addiction.

We may count among them the compulsive overeating. This happens when someone goes on eating binges that can last several days. The addict may sometimes lose weight, but tends to gain it back again. Symptoms also include eating quickly, compulsively, eating alone and eating when there is no evidence of hunger.

Another form of food addiction is bulimia. This happens usually when someone overeats, then purges either by vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include isolating oneself when eating, trying to consume huge portions of food rapidly, and being preoccupied with one's weight.

Another well known form of food addiction is anorexia. This happens usually when someone attempts to starve oneself in the desire to achieve an unrealistic weight. Anorexics tend to be 15 percent below normal body weight and have a phobia about being fat. They have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be obsessed with their own weight. They may engage in ritualistic behavior involving food and may suffer from depression.

It is well known nowadays that food addiction can be successfully treated and the treatment can come in various forms. The most indicated for the food addict is to work with a psychotherapist in order to develop new ways to deal with food and his or her emotions. The therapist might be able to identify the source of the individual's fear or anger and the reason behind the individual's addiction. In most of the cases, the psychotherapist will help the individual to develop a treatment plan which spells out expectations and goals, both for the short-term and the long-term. This kind of treatment often involves helping the individual to return to healthy eating methods, dealing with the underlying emotional causes of addiction, and learning effective coping techniques.

There is also another form of curing the food addicts, something like the 12-step program used by alcoholics. This involves admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be restored to sanity, and an admission of their faults and failings. In addition, food addicts often draw strength from support groups made up of people who have similar difficulties dealing with food. This method of knowing that there are other people who face the same challenges is incredibly therapeutic.

There is no concrete medical proof that the food addiction is a genetically-based illness. However, there is some evidence of eating patterns passing from one generation to the next. In fact, many food addicts may only seek help after they have determined that their illness could adversely affect their children.

Also, there are some rumors that a food addiction can never be cured, that it can only be treated. However, one should never lose hope of beating a food addiction. With patience and in time, individual addicts can learn the behavioral skills which will enable them to keep their weight under control. Knowing the pain that they will undergo if they continue their harmful eating habits could be just the incentive they need to stay the course. With a healthy eating system, with the right foods in the right proportions and with simple exercises they can control their weight, and the smallest good result can give them the force to continue on the right path.

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