Emotional Factors: A Look at Food Addiction
Although exact causes of obesity are not
fully understood, experts agree that multiple causes are probably
involved. Some data suggest that 80% of obesity may be inherited. But
in addition to genetic factors, other important causes include
metabolic abnormalities, other health conditions, social and
environmental influences, and psychological and emotional factors.
Emerging evidence about food allergies is shedding light on the role
that allergies may play in food cravings and compulsive eating
patterns.
Together, these factors require a comprehensive treatment approach.
While surgery, dietary changes, and exercise can be vital components
in treating obesity, it is critical to address any psychological and
emotional factors that may be involved in causing obesity. For some
people, emotional and psychological factors are a serious area that
should be addressed.
Food Addiction
As with alcohol or drugs, people can also be addicted to
food. Food addiction, sometimes called "emotional eating,"
decribes a compulsive disorder involving excessive craving for and
consumption of food. This loss of control involves both physiological
and psychological addiction.
Some people who are addicted to food purge after eating with vomiting
or laxatives. Some are overweight, while others are underweight or
normal weight. Food addicts may be of any age, race, or gender.
In treating obesity, it is important to consider the role that food
addiction may play so that you can address underlying causes and make
lasting changes for your complete health and well-being.
Recovery from Food Addiction
Overcoming food addiction is possible. The Garrison Center is here to
help every patient long-term with the full scope of treatment
approaches, including counseling, support groups, and other resources.
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Am I addicted to food?
A few questions may help to answer this question.
- Do you eat when you are not hungry?
- Do you eat when you feel depressed or
upset?
- Have you wanted to stop eating, but
found you just couldn't?
- Do you think about food or your weight
constantly?
- Do you eat in secret?
- Do you eat differently in private than
you do in front of people?
- Do you eat to escape from your
feelings?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed about
what you have eaten?
- Do you eat large quantities of food at
one time (binge)?
- Do you eat foods that you know are
harmful to you?
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