Food cravings are something most people encounter. A yearning for chocolate, salty snacks, or a favorite dish is common. But at what point does a craving evolve into something more? Could it be an addiction? This question sparks debate, as experts remain divided on whether food addiction is a valid term or merely a way of describing compulsive eating behaviors. Regardless of the terminology, one thing is clear: If you’re struggling with eating, help is available, and you deserve it.

This article delves into the concept of food addiction, what science says about it, and the tools available to help if food has taken control of your life.

What Is Food Addiction?

Food addiction, a term often used in public discourse, lacks official recognition in medical diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). Unlike substance use disorders or alcohol dependency, food addiction is not a formally defined disorder.

However, that hasn’t stopped people from using the term, especially within recovery communities. Organizations like Overeaters Anonymous (OA) employ a 12-step program similar to those used for alcohol and narcotics recovery. Many people in OA find comfort and empowerment in the term “food addiction,” as it validates their experience of losing control over eating.

Image Source: nutrition

Yet not everyone agrees with the terminology. Dr. Anne Marie O’Melia, a clinical expert at the Eating Recovery Center, notes that while food can elicit addiction-like behaviors in some people, calling it an addiction may oversimplify a complex issue. She warns against “all-or-nothing thinking,” which might lead to unhelpful rigidity.

Others, like licensed psychotherapist Dr. Teralyn Sell, argue that food addiction is real and manifests through behaviors such as overeating, secrecy about food, and withdrawal symptoms like nausea or blood sugar imbalance. For Sell, these behaviors meet the criteria for addiction.

What Do the Experts Say?

The controversy lies in the lack of standardized benchmarks for diagnosing food addiction. While the Yale Food Addiction Scale, developed in 2009 and updated in 2016, provides some guidance, opinions remain mixed.

Some experts believe food addiction aligns more closely with substance use disorder than a behavioral disorder. A 2018 review supports this idea, noting that food addiction shares traits with drug addiction, such as:

• Neurological changes
• Impaired control
• Preoccupation with food
• Relapse and chronicity
• Social impairment

On the other hand, critics argue that labeling food behaviors as addictions diminishes the gravity of drug addiction and fails to address the root causes of obesity or overeating.

Food Addiction vs. Substance Addiction

One major criticism of the term “food addiction” is its perceived trivialization of substance abuse. The United States has been grappling with a devastating opioid crisis, with nearly 81,000 opioid-related deaths recorded in 2021 alone.

While food addiction doesn’t result in the same life-destroying consequences as substance abuse, it can still have a significant impact on mental and physical health. For instance, people who compulsively overeat often report feelings of shame, emotional distress, and poor health outcomes like obesity and hypertension.

Research supports the idea that food addiction and substance use disorder may have some parallels. Highly processed foods, such as those high in refined sugars and fats, appear to activate the brain’s reward pathways in ways similar to addictive substances. This overlap is further highlighted in imaging studies that reveal altered dopamine pathways in people with compulsive eating behaviors.

The Science of Food Addiction

The brain’s reward system plays a crucial role in food addiction. Foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure. This reward response is particularly strong for highly processed foods, leading to repetitive consumption despite negative consequences.

Studies reveal that individuals with addictive-like eating behaviors may exhibit:

• Altered reward circuits in the brain
• Impaired control and decision-making
• Chronic cravings for certain foods

Image Source: Eater

For example, a 2021 study found that highly processed foods are more likely to trigger addictive eating behaviors than whole or minimally processed foods like fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, research suggests that people with food addiction may experience withdrawal-like symptoms when they stop consuming certain foods. While less severe than withdrawal from substances like alcohol or opioids, these symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings, and headaches.

Social and Economic Factors

Food addiction doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Socioeconomic and environmental factors can make certain groups more vulnerable. For example, research shows that historically marginalized communities often face food deserts—areas with limited access to fresh, healthy foods.

In such settings, processed foods are often the only option, as they are cheaper, more accessible, and have longer shelf lives. A 2018 study revealed that Black Americans are more likely to consume hyper-processed foods and experience higher rates of hypertension compared to white Americans.

Cultural and societal constructs further complicate the issue. Parents in marginalized communities may associate processed foods with convenience and necessity, perpetuating the cycle of poor nutrition and compulsive eating.

Overcoming Compulsive Food Behaviors

Whether or not food addiction is the correct term, many people experience compulsive eating and want help to break the cycle. Experts emphasize the importance of a compassionate, individualized approach that focuses on behavioral changes rather than willpower or weight loss alone.

Image Source: newerarehabilitation

Practical Steps to Regain Control:

1. Self-Compassion
   Replace self-criticism with kindness. Avoid “should” statements, such as “I should eat better,” as they often lead to guilt and shame, which can fuel overeating.

2. Identify Trigger Foods
   Work with a therapist or nutritionist to identify foods that lead to overeating. Instead of eliminating them entirely, create a plan for mindful consumption.

3. Customized Care
   Find providers who focus on the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing your eating habits. Treatment plans should include tools to manage emotional regulation and build self-acceptance.

4. Medication and Therapy
   In some cases, medication may help. For example, Prozac is FDA-approved for treating bulimia, while bupropion has shown promise in addressing compulsive eating and obesity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly via telehealth, has also been effective for reducing food addiction symptoms.

Final Thoughts

The term “food addiction” may spark debate, but the experiences of those struggling with compulsive eating are real. Highly processed foods can activate the brain’s reward system in ways that lead to loss of control, shame, and health challenges.

If you find yourself struggling with food cravings or compulsive eating, know that help is available. Compassionate, non-judgmental care can provide the tools you need to regain control and foster a healthier relationship with food.

You deserve support on this journey—whether you call it addiction or something else.