If you are struggling with food addiction, you are not alone. Humans are evolutionarily wired to seek nutrition and have developed strong reward systems to reinforce eating behavior. The phrase "comfort food" refers to the common sensation, the pleasant, content feeling that comes after a good meal. On a molecular level, that feeling comes from a sudden increase in dopamine, a particular signal in your parts of your brain. Unfortunately, for some overeating can become addictive.
Brain Reward System
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter or signal in the brain is released by neurons in response to rewarding activities. These neurons are found in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala and brainstem, regions that are linked in a circuit that is activated when a person experiences pleasure after activities like eating, drinking or sexual activity. That signal can also be triggered by addictive drugs like heroin and surprisingly, in response to food. In fact, the food response is so strong that Dr. Nora Volkow's research at Brookhaven National Laboratory has shown that the mere sight or smell of food can increase dopamine levels and and lead to craving and hunger. In some cases, the dopamine signal can be so strong that it leads to harmful behaviors of craving, binging and chronic overeating.
Recognizing Food Addiction
Like individuals with other substance abuse problems, people with food addiction often feel helpless to control their cravings. Frequently, they are "emotional eaters" who turn to food for comfort from feelings of sadness, distress or anxiety. They can also become preoccupied by thoughts of food, suffer waves of craving and be secretive about what and how much they eat. Ultimately, they are left feeling guilty about what they consume and the consequences to their health. Other signs to look out for include large changes in weight over short periods of time, purging behaviors like extreme exercise, laxative use, vomiting and food restriction. If you're concerned about yourself or someone you know and love be sure to talk to a health care professional.
Overeating's Consequences
One of the most recognizable consequences of food addiction is an expanding waistline. The types of foods people crave are usually rich in sugars and fats, leading to weight gain. Not surprisingly, fatty sugary food also cause the highest level of dopamine release in the brain. Food addiction can also lead to silent health problems like heart disease, diabetes and depression. Overeating also wrecks havoc on peoples' personal lives, causing friction between friends and family who are concerned about unhealthy behavior.
Getting Help
The most important thing to remember about food addiction is that change is possible and help available. Support groups like Food Addicts Anonymous have meetings online worldwide and there may be one in your area. Additionally, certain therapy approaches employing cognitive behavioral techniques can work on changing the way you think about food and your response to cravings. In severe situation, inpatient treatment may also be available. More commonly, psychiatrists may prescribe medication designed to alter the dopamine and neurotransmitter environment of your brain to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety about food and make your struggle more manageable.
References
- Corsica JA, Pelchat ML. Food addiction: true or false? Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2010 Mar;26(2):165-9.
- Brookhaven National Laboratory: New Food-Addiction Link Found
- Gaillard D, Passilly-Degrace P, Besnard P. Molecular mechanisms of fat preference and overeating. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Oct;1141:163-75.
