You might overdose on potato chips or even perhaps
tortilla chips once in a while, but did you ever consider
that you might be addicted to food? The answer is very
important, because it could be the key to determine what
steps you need to take in order to lose weight. A
significant number of medical experts say that food
addiction is just as serious as nicotine or cocaine
addiction, and it can potentially be just as deadly.

An indicator of food addiction is when you find yourself
with overwhelming desire for a particular food. The
desire is so strong, and you are unable to consume that
particular food, you begin to experience withdrawal
symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and depression.
Food addicts desire the comfort that a particular food
gives them. They also experience bouts of binge eating
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of that particular food. The cravings may be physical as well as psychological.

It should be noted that several varieties of food addictions exist. For example,
there is compulsive overeating, where an individual goes on an eating binge that
may last several days. The addicts do however lose weight, but tend to gain it
back over time. Other symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively eating
alone, and also eating when there is no evidence of hunger.

Another common form of addiction is bulimia, in which the individual overeats,
than purges the consumed food through vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs
of this condition include isolating oneself when eating, consuming huge portions
of food rapidly, and being over conscious as well as preoccupied with one’s
weight.

Food addiction also comes in the form known as anorexia, in which the
individual attempts to starve oneself in order to achieve an unrealistic weight
loss In a short amount of time. Anorexics tend to be around 15 percent below
normal body weight and have a phobia about being fat and gaining weight.
They often have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be obsessed
with their weight. They also may suffer depression.

There is good news! Food addiction can be successfully treated. Treatment can
come in variety of forms. A food addict may work with a psychotherapist in
order to develop new ways to deal with food and their emotions. The therapist
might be able to identify the origin of individuals’ food addiction, and also
discovers the reasons for the condition. In the majority of cases, the psychologist
will help the individual develop a treatment plan which structures expectations
and short and long term goals. In more serious cases an individual may chose to
undergo in-patient treatment at a psychological facility. Treatment often
involves helping the individual to return to a healthy eating lifestyle, deal with
underlying emotional issues of food addiction, and learn to develop new coping
techniques.

Food addicts often follow the structure of the same kind of 12 step program used
by alcoholics. By admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they
could be restored to normal state of mind and an admission of their faults and
failings. In addition food addicts often draw strength from support groups who
have similar difficulties dealing with food. Knowing that there are other people
who face the same challenges can be incredibly therapeutic.

At this point, it is unclear whether food addiction is a genetic-based illness.
Although there is evidence of eating patterns being passed down throughout
generations. In fact, many food addicts many food addicts only seek help after
they have concluded that their illness could adversely affect their children.

It is entirely possible that in the long run food addiction can never be cured and
only be treated. In other words, the recovery period can last a lifetime, yet one
should never lose hope of beating food addiction. With patience and time,
individual addicts can adopt behavioral skills which will enable them to keep
their weight under control. Of course, there will be times when individuals will
be tempted to indulge in food; however knowing the pain that they will undergo
if they continue their harmful eating habits could be the incentive to fight
against food addiction.

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