Food addiction is a behavioral condition defined by compulsive eating of appetizing meals, especially those heavy in fat, sugar, and salt, even when doing so has a detrimental impact on one’s health and general well-being.

The symptoms of food addiction include intense cravings, withdrawal-like symptoms, secrecy and guilt, overindulging to the point of feeling sick, sleep problems, digestive disorders, and decreased energy.

The signs of food addiction are frequently failing to establish rules, coming up with excuses, loss of interest in other activities, going out of the way to obtain unavailable foods, eating larger amounts than intended, and inability to cut down.

The causes of food addiction involve biological factors, including genetic predispositions and neurobiological mechanisms, as well as psychological factors, social and environmental influences, food industry practices, and cultural norms.

Treatment options for food addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step programs, medications, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications.

Food addiction describes an obsessive and uncontrolled urge to eat, frequently motivated by pleasure rather than hunger. People with the condition have cravings, loss of control, and ongoing intake despite negative effects, similar to the indicators of substance use disorders.

Often used interchangeably, the term eating addiction highlights the behavioral aspect whereby people struggle with recurrent periods of overeating, especially in reaction to emotional discomfort.

Highly palatable foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt, are big contributors to the reinforcement of addictive eating behaviors. The release of dopamine by these ingredients sets off the brain’s reward system and starts a cycle of dependence.

Even in the absence of actual hunger, people seek out such foods for pleasure due to their hedonic appeal. Repeated consumption changes the chemistry of the brain over time, making it harder to control eating patterns and withstand cravings.

Why is food addictive?

Food is addictive because of its effects on the reward system of the brain, especially when one eats highly processed foods meant to maximize pleasure. Many contain refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavor enhancers rapidly elevating blood sugar levels, creating a surge of energy followed by a crash.

A 2021 review by Ashley N. Gearhardt and Erica M. Schulte titled, “Is Food Addictive? A Review of the Science” explained how in today’s food environment, ultraprocessed foods are frequently made up of combinations of ingredients (white flour, sugar, and fat) at amounts not normally found in nature.

The brain receives reinforcement that a certain food item is highly rewarding due to the metabolic signals triggered by the high levels of refined fats and carbohydrates. Unnaturally high sodium levels, together with other flavour enhancers and preservatives, further intensify this powerful combination.

The cycle encourages repeated consumption as the body craves another quick boost. Reward transmitters in the brain, like dopamine, reinforce behavior by generating sensations of pleasure and satisfaction.

Repeated exposure to artificially stimulating foods leads to dopamine addiction, though the dependence stems more from the act of consuming rewarding foods than from dopamine itself. The brain craves the pleasurable experience linked to appetizing meals, reinforcing compulsive eating patterns that override natural hunger cues.

What are the symptoms of food addiction?

Symptoms of food addiction include noticeable behaviors and signs seen in individuals overindulging in highly appetizing foods despite harmful effects. The symptoms of food addiction are listed below.

• Intense cravings: Individuals with food addiction often feel intense urges to eat specific foods. Cravings arise even without physical hunger and typically focus on highly palatable options. A 2020 study by Adrian Meule, titled “The Psychology of Food Cravings: the Role of Food Deprivation” stated humans naturally crave energy-dense foods. Chocolate and chocolate-based products rank as the most desired, followed by various sweet and savory calorie-rich options.
• Withdrawal-like symptoms: Reducing or eliminating certain foods often triggers withdrawal-like symptoms. The likelihood of relapse is increased by such effects associated with avoiding addictive foods. Preliminary evidence suggests humans report subjective withdrawal-like reactions when decreasing or cutting off consumption of highly processed foods, as per a review by Parnarouskis et al., titled “Withdrawal: A key consideration in evaluating whether highly processed foods are addictive” published in November 2022.
• Secrecy and guilt: Affected individuals often eat in secret to conceal the unhealthy relationship with food from others, feeling ashamed or guilty about eating habits. Keeping meals hidden fosters isolation and intensifies emotional distress. The guilt associated with overeating perpetuates the cycle of addiction, as individuals tend to eat more to cope with negative emotions.
• Overindulging to the point of feeling sick: Individuals addicted to food often consume excessive amounts of food, resulting in physical discomfort. Overeating deteriorates general health by causing serious distress and digestive issues. Despite the adverse physical consequences, the compulsion to continue eating persists.
• Sleep problems: Sleep disorders are frequently linked to unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and/or digestive disorders, according to a 2021 study by Vernia et al., titled “Sleep disorders related to nutrition and digestive diseases: a neglected clinical condition.” Stimulants like alcohol, cola, and coffee interfere with sleep. Poor eating practices, such as skipping meals or consuming a lot of foods high in energy, are associated with low-quality sleep.
• Digestive disorders: Bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements are among the digestive issues resulting from the condition. Consuming highly processed and refined foods lacking fiber and essential nutrients contributes to gastrointestinal discomfort and dysfunction.
• Decreased energy: Food addicts often experience energy fluctuations during the day, marked by periods of lethargy and fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies from a diet high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients, along with unstable blood sugar levels from frequent sugar intake, contribute to shifts in one’s energy level.

What are the signs of food addiction?

Signs of food addiction are outward manifestations indicating an individual is grappling with a compulsive and obsessive attachment to eating. The signs of food addiction are listed below.

• Frequently failing to establish rules: People with food addiction often struggle to follow self-imposed rules regarding eating habits. Setting boundaries or guidelines becomes challenging, leading to repeated setbacks. Frequent inability to maintain control fosters feelings of helplessness.
• Coming up with excuses: Affected individuals often make excuses to justify eating behaviors. Rationalizations enable one to steer clear of guilt and maintain the cycle of addiction. Through making excuses, avoidance of reality deepens, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns.
• Loss of interest in other activities: As addiction worsens, individuals lose interest in previously enjoyable activities, choosing instead to eat or constantly think about food. Diverting attention from significant experiences adversely affects personal relationships, impairs professional performance, and decreases general quality of life. Over time, social isolation and declining productivity further reinforce dependence on food for comfort.
• Going out of the way to obtain unavailable foods: Despite limited access, people go to considerable lengths to acquire favorite foods. Addictive foods have a powerful influence because people often go to extreme lengths, spend too much money, or use deceitful ways to satisfy the desire for food.
• Eating larger amounts than intended: A hallmark of food addiction is consuming much more than initially planned. Despite setting limits or resolving to eat smaller portions, individuals often exceed boundaries.
• Inability to cut down: Despite acknowledging the harmful effects of their problematic eating habits, individuals with food addiction struggle to limit consumption of specific foods. Repeated efforts to cut back or stop often result in failure. Persistent health problems stem from the vicious cycle of addiction reinforced by a lack of control.

How is food addiction diagnosed?

Food addiction is diagnosed by observing core diagnostic criteria primarily derived from the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and are largely extrapolated from substance use disorders in the DSM-5.

These criteria include intense obsession with the substance or food, craving for a particular substance or food, continuous use despite knowledge of adverse events, and consumption of more than initially desired substance or food for a longer period of time, according to a 2022 paper by Octavian Vasiliu, titled “Current Status of Evidence for a New Diagnosis: Food Addiction-A Literature Review.”

A mental health professional or healthcare provider frequently conducts a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s dietary habits, behaviors, and psychological symptoms as part of the diagnostic process.

The evaluation comprises clinical observations, interviews, and self-reported questionnaires to ascertain the presence and severity of addictive feeding patterns. Clinicians additionally take into account things like the person’s level of distress, functional impairment, and how much eating interferes with day-to-day activities.

What are the causes of food addiction?

Causes of food addiction describe the fundamental elements leading to compulsive overeating and reliance on extremely appetizing meals. The causes of food addiction involve a combination of several factors listed below.

• Biological factors: Genetic predispositions and neurobiological mechanisms contribute to food addiction. Food addiction, especially involving sweet and rich foods, connects to genes encoding dopamine, opiomelanocortin, and leptin receptors, influencing addictive behaviors, according to a 2011 study by David Heber and Catherine L. Carpenter, titled “Addictive Genes and the Relationship to Obesity and Inflammation.” The same brain reward circuits involved in drug abuse stimulate feel-good chemicals, driving hedonic urges and intense food cravings in overweight and obese individuals. Repeated consumption of addictive foods reinforces good feelings, thereby fortifying the connection between compulsive eating and substance dependence.
• Psychological factors: Psychological factors contribute to the development of food addiction. Food is likely to be used as a coping mechanism to alleviate negative emotions or as a source of comfort during times of distress. A 2020 review by Wiss et al., titled “Food Addiction and Psychosocial Adversity: Biological Embedding, Contextual Factors, and Public Health Implications” found food addiction to be strongly influenced by early life stress, trauma, and adversity. Early life adversity (ELA) is linked to enduring changes in brain circuitry, impacting the activity of the reward and stress systems. As a result, individuals become more susceptible to developing addictive eating habits and obesity.
• Social and environmental influences: Social and environmental factors, including food availability, family dynamics, and peer influences, play an important role in shaping eating behavior and eventual food addiction. The availability of highly processed and highly palatable meals is one of the societal elements contributing to the normalization of overeating and compulsive eating behavior. An individual’s relationship with food and susceptibility to addiction are additionally affected by family upbringing and dynamics, including parental feeding practices and modeling of eating behaviors.
• Food industry practices: Marketing strategies, product formulations, and manufacturing practices employed by the food industry all contribute to the addictive properties of specific foods. Ultra-processed and processed foods are frequently designed to be highly palatable by incorporating specific flavors, textures, and additives to increase their appeal and addictive potential. Addiction to food and the consumption of unhealthy meals are further encouraged by marketing strategies like product placement and targeted advertising.
• Cultural norms: Cultural attitudes surrounding food consumption influence individuals’ perceptions, behaviors, and susceptibility to food addiction. Cultures emphasizing food during social gatherings and celebrations often normalize and encourage overeating, fostering addictive eating habits.

How do genetics affect food addiction?

Genetics affect food addiction by generating biological weaknesses causing obsessive eating patterns. Specific genetic variations connected to neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, and opioid receptors, impact reward processing, impulse control, and mood regulation, all closely tied to FA.

A 2019 study by Romer et al., titled “Dopamine genetic risk is related to food addiction and body mass through reduced reward-related ventral striatum activity” explained how specific genetic traits affecting dopamine increase food addiction symptoms and body weight. Weaker responses in the brain’s reward system, particularly the ventral striatum, contribute to this pattern.

Are there demographic differences for food addiction?

Yes, there are demographic differences for food addiction. FA was 6.7 times more common in women than in men. Higher emotional eating inclinations, increased exposure to diet culture and body image demands, and a greater propensity to disclose FA symptoms are a few possible explanations, as per a 2021 study by Güngör et al., titled “The Relationship of Food Addiction With Other Eating Pathologies and Impulsivity: A Case-Control Study.”

Compared to individuals with normal weight or overweight, people with obesity faced a higher likelihood of distress or impairment from FA, according to a 2021 study by Carr et al., titled “Examining Impairment and Distress from Food Addiction across Demographic and Weight groups.” Findings suggest obesity leads to heightened emotional struggles due to internalized stigma and weight bias.

Can depression cause food addiction?

Yes, depression can cause food addiction. Depressive symptoms often drive individuals to seek comfort in highly palatable foods, triggering the brain’s reward system and temporarily alleviating emotional distress. Emotional eating becomes a coping mechanism, reinforcing compulsive consumption of sugary, fatty, and processed foods.

A 2020 study by Mills et al., titled “Overeating and food addiction in Major Depressive Disorder: Links to peripheral dopamine” examined 140 participants and found nearly 29% of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) met the criteria for food addiction based on the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS).

This percentage exceeded rates observed in the general population. Compared to control participants and individuals without food addiction, those experiencing both conditions showed significantly higher levels of emotional eating, restrictive eating patterns, and depressive symptoms.

What are the foods that can trigger food addiction?

Foods that can trigger food addiction refer to specific types of foods with the potential to cause compulsive and uncontrollable eating behaviors. The most common foods that can trigger food addiction are listed below.

• Chocolate: Chocolates, especially varieties rich in sugar and milk, contribute to food addiction and chocolate addiction due to the blend of sugar and fat. Compared to other foods, chocolate stimulates unique brain activity, engaging specific neural pathways and brain regions associated with euphoria similar to substances of abuse, as per a study by Casperson et al., titled “Increasing Chocolate’s Sugar Content Enhances Its Psychoactive Effects and Intake” published in March 2019.
• Potato chips: Potato chips create strong cravings due to high fat and salt levels. Overconsumption is more likely to occur due to the increased allure caused by the crunch and flavor enhancers. Widespread availability and ease of access perpetuate compulsive eating by encouraging habitual consumption.
• Ice cream: Ice cream’s creamy texture, along with its high sugar and fat levels, often triggers food addiction. The pleasure derived from eating ice cream leads to frequent cravings and overindulgence. A 2012 study by Kyle S. Burger and Eric Stice, titled “Frequent ice cream consumption is associated with reduced striatal response to receipt of an ice cream–based milkshake” found regular ice cream consumption reduces responsiveness in brain reward regions, regardless of body fat, resembling the tolerance observed in drug dependence.
• Pizza: Often loaded with fat and salt, pizza presents a pleasing mix of cheese, bread, and several toppings. Frequent cravings result from overindulging in the rich flavors and gratifying taste. Repeated indulgence reinforces the habit, hence moderation becomes more challenging.
• French fries: French fries remain widely available in fast food chains and restaurants, making access effortless. Consumption on a consistent basis intensifies cravings, promoting an overindulgence and an increasing preference for fatty, salty dishes. Consuming French fries at least once or twice per week increases the risk of developing food addiction by 2.3 times, as per a 2015 study by Keser et al., titled “A new insight into food addiction in childhood obesity.”
• Cookies: Aside from being a trigger of FA, cookies are additionally known to contribute to sugar addiction. The combination of sugar, fat, and refined flour in cookies makes them highly palatable and difficult to resist. The rich, buttery texture and sweetness stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to repeated cravings. Due to easy availability and a wide variety of flavors, overconsumption becomes common.
• Soda: Sugary beverages like soda are high in refined sugar and caffeine, contributing to FA. Blood glucose levels rise as a result of the rapid absorption of sugar, then plummet, leading to more cravings. Carbonation enhances the drinking experience, and in turn reinforces regular intake. The likelihood of dependency increases with frequent consumption, resulting in sugar overconsumption and associated health problems.

What are the effects of overeating?

Effects of overeating describe the range of adverse outcomes resulting from eating past the point of fullness and in excess of the body’s nutritional and caloric requirements. The effects of overeating are listed below.

• Weight gain and obesity: Consistently consuming more calories than the body requires leads to excess energy storage as fat, causing weight gain. Fat builds up over time and eventually develops into obesity, a disorder characterized by an unhealthful rise in body weight. Numerous health issues, including diabetes, metabolic problems, and heart disease, are made more likely by obesity.
• Digestive discomfort: Fast eating often delays the sensation of fullness, leading to increased food consumption and a higher likelihood of overeating. Rapid meal consumption has been strongly associated with a greater risk of endoscopic erosive gastritis (EEG). A study by Kim et al., titled “Fast Eating Speed Increases the Risk of Endoscopic Erosive Gastritis in Korean Adults” published in November 2015 found individuals finishing meals in under five minutes faced a 1.7 times higher risk of developing EEG compared to those taking 15 minutes or longer.
• Type 2 diabetes: Overeating, particularly foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, contributes to insulin resistance, reducing the body’s ability to respond effectively to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels remain elevated, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Persistent insulin resistance forces the pancreas to produce more insulin, eventually leading to pancreatic strain and a decline in insulin production. Without intervention, long-term effects include cardiovascular complications and nerve damage.
• Mental health issues: Overindulging impairs mental health by resulting in feelings of shame, remorse, and low self-esteem. Distress sets off a vicious cycle where individuals keep eating to deal with emotional problems, deteriorating psychological health. Furthermore, physical repercussions like weight gain exacerbate issues with body image and raise the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Making the decision to stop compulsive eating is made more difficult by emotional suffering associated with unhealthy eating practices.
• Heart disease: Chronic overeating, particularly of foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, increases the risk of developing heart disease. According to a 2022 article by Basdeki et al., titled “Late-Night Overeating or Low-Quality Food Choices Late at Night Are Associated with Subclinical Vascular Damage in Patients at Increased Cardiovascular Risk,” more than 40% of daily calorie intake after 19:00 hours was associated with an increased risk of carotid plaques, a sign of vascular impairment. Arterial stiffness was higher among late-night eaters who ate unhealthy meals like wine, red meat, and refined grains.
• Impaired brain function: Overconsumption of food, particularly foods high in fat and sugar, causes inflammation in the brain, affecting cognitive abilities. When calorie intake is excessive, blood sugar levels rise and fall, impairing mental clarity and memory. As a result, decision-making skills deteriorate and the brain’s capacity to comprehend information is reduced.

What are the treatments for food addiction?

Treatments for food addiction refer to interventions employed with the goal of assisting patients in overcoming compulsive eating behaviors and developing healthier relationships with food. The treatments for food addiction are listed below.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): The primary objective of CBT is to identify and modify maladaptive beliefs and behaviors associated with food and eating. CBT approaches have shown promise in effectively treating obesity and binge eating disorder (BED), according to a 2019 review by Adams et al., titled “Food Addiction: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Overeating.”
• 12-step programs: 12-step programs, such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA), create a community of individuals experiencing food addiction. With the help of others who have conquered addiction, group members talk about difficulties without worrying about being judged. Support groups often adhere to a structured framework, like the 12-step model, designed to guide recovery.
• Medications: Certain medications are prescribed to help manage food addiction by regulating appetite and addressing co-occurring mental health issues. Drugs like naltrexone and bupropion have been used to reduce cravings and compulsive eating behaviors. A 2021 paper by Leary et al., titled “Current Intervention Treatments for Food Addiction: A Systematic Review” included research on a medication combining naltrexone and bupropion, showing remarkable decreases in symptoms of food addiction within 16 weeks or less.
• Nutritional counseling: Working with a certified dietitian or nutritionist helps people create a balanced and nutritious eating plan customized to particular needs. Nutritional counseling imparts knowledge on portion control, nutrient-rich meals, and meal planning, hence diminishing dependence on addictive foods.
• Lifestyle modifications: Managing food addiction is best accomplished by making all-encompassing lifestyle modifications. Healthy changes include developing regular sleeping patterns, reducing stress by means of yoga or meditation, and building social networks for emotional support. Breaking the cycle of FA calls for a balanced living including exercise and a diet.

How to overcome food addiction?

To overcome food addiction, acknowledge the issue and seek support from a healthcare professional or an eating disorder specialist. Collaborate with a nutritionist to establish a structured meal plan promoting balanced nutrition and consistent eating habits.

Mindful eating is another strategy to break food addictions; it involves avoiding distractions while eating, chewing gently, and concentrating only on meals. Identify and minimize exposure to triggers by keeping a food journal and steering clear of highly addictive foods.

Identify and minimize exposure to triggers by keeping a food journal and steering clear of highly addictive foods. Make time for enjoyable activities, maintain an active lifestyle, and learn relaxation techniques as healthy ways to deal with stress.

Join a support group like Overeaters Anonymous to exchange experiences and gain motivation. Set achievable goals, track progress, and adjust approaches as needed.

Is food addiction hard to break?

Yes, food addiction is hard to break. Unlike alcohol or drugs, food is essential for survival, making complete avoidance impossible. Cutting back on highly palatable foods is not as straightforward as eliminating substances like alcohol, since food remains a constant presence in daily life.

Feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress further complicate recovery, as negative emotions often lead to overeating. Various processed foods are designed to trigger cravings, reinforcing compulsive eating patterns and making moderation challenging.

How long does it take to break food addiction?

The time it takes to break food addiction varies greatly among individuals and depends on the severity of the addiction, the presence of underlying emotional or psychological issues, and the individual’s commitment to change.

For certain people, notable improvement becomes evident within a few months of dedicated effort, especially when guided by healthcare professionals and structured treatment plans. Others require a year or more to completely break free from the addiction and develop sustainable, healthier eating habits.

Is food addiction treated in a rehab?

Yes, food addiction is treated in a rehab. Numerous treatment centers recognize addiction to food as a serious issue and offer specialized programs similar to those designed for behavioral addictions.

The majority of programs treat addiction holistically, emphasizing both the psychological and physiological components of the condition. Therapy, nutritional counseling, and structured meal planning help individuals regain control over eating habits and develop healthier relationships with food.

Individuals in a rehab facility receive expert medical and psychological assistance, as well as regulated meal plans, nutritional advice, and therapy sessions. A rehab center provides a safe environment where patients develop healthy habits without exposure to triggers.

What are the over-the-counter medications for food addiction?

There are currently no over-the-counter medications specifically approved for treating food addiction. However, certain supplements and OTC products aid in managing symptoms of food addiction or promote overall health during recovery. Examples include 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), L-theanine, and chromium picolinate.

5-HTP is a natural supplement known to support serotonin production and reduce cravings, while L-theanine promotes relaxation and helps with emotional eating. Another supplement thought to help with weight loss and enhance nutrient metabolism is chromium picolinate.

A 2013 trial by Brownley et al., titled “A Double-blind, Randomized Pilot Trial of Chromium Picolinate for Binge Eating Disorder: Results of the Binge Eating and Chromium (BEACh) Study” assessed how supplementing with chromium picolinate (CrPic) affected binge eating disorder (BED).

The group with the highest dose of chromium demonstrated the biggest monthly decrease in binge eating episodes. While all placebo subjects gained weight, over half (57%) of the chromium-treated people lost weight.

What are the symptoms of food withdrawal?

Symptoms of food withdrawal are the physical and psychological reactions experienced when an individual reduces or eliminates consumption of foods to which addiction has developed. The symptoms of food withdrawal are listed below.

• Intense cravings: Intense cravings are a hallmark of food withdrawal, as the body strongly desires addictive foods familiar to it. Visual cues, smells, or stress often trigger cravings, making resistance challenging. Recurrent cravings are important to the study of food addiction due to a link with compulsive eating, higher body mass index (BMI), and increased food intake, as per a 2019 study by Adams et al., titled “Food Addiction: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Overeating.”
• Irritability: When withdrawing from addictive foods, numerous people experience irritability and mood swings due to the sudden lack of comforting effects appetizing foods provide. The body’s stress response becomes heightened, leading to increased feelings of frustration and anger.
• Headaches: Headaches frequently occur during food withdrawal, especially when eliminating foods high in sugar or caffeine. Withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, emerge as the body adapts to changes in diet and reduced intake of addictive foods.
• Fatigue: Fatigue often becomes overwhelming when adjusting to a new diet, making daily tasks and responsibilities harder to manage. Energy levels drop as the body adapts to the absence of quick sources like sugar, leading to persistent exhaustion. Sluggishness, diminished focus, and decreased productivity are all consequences of withdrawals from addictive food items. The combination of physical tiredness and mental fog makes maintaining motivation especially challenging.
• Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty concentrating often affects individuals struggling with FA as the brain adjusts to the absence of stimulant foods. Cognitive functions become impaired, creating challenges with focus, decision-making, and memory recall. Changes in blood sugar levels and the brain’s longing for the dopamine surge once triggered by highly palatable meals contribute to such struggles.
• Depression: Depression intensifies during nutritional adjustment as the body and brain adapt to the absence of familiar sources of comfort and pleasure. The reduction in certain foods triggers a temporary drop in serotonin levels, impacting mood and emotional stability.

What are the differences between food addiction and binge eating?

Differences between food addiction and binge eating refer to the unique traits and behaviors distinguishing each, despite shared characteristics. The differences between food addiction and binge eating are presented in the table below.

Differences Between Food Addiction and Binge Eating
Aspect	Food Addiction	Binge Eating
Definition	Compulsive consumption of certain foods, often high in sugar, fat, and salt, despite negative consequences.	Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort.
Behavioral Patterns*	Individuals with food addiction (FA) tend to display a consistent pattern of disrupted behavior.	People diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) commonly have episodes of disrupted behavior.
Motivation and purpose of eating*	Patients with FA often overconsume specific foods to satisfy cravings and experience a sense of satisfaction.	Patients with BED tend to consume huge amounts of food to alleviate psychological distress, as succumbing to the desire provides a short-term sensation of pleasure and emotional relaxation.
Self-awareness*	Affected people often lack self-awareness regarding eating patterns and use denial or projection as psychological defense mechanisms.	BED sufferers generally feel guilty about eating behaviors and are obsessed with body weight and shape, frequently demonstrating heightened awareness of body proportions and food portion sizes.
Behavioral response to eating restrictions*	The inability to get or eat the addictive foods causes patients with FA to act aggressively or anxiously.	BED patients typically prefer situations limiting the ability to binge.
Presence of classic addiction symptoms*	Common addiction signs like tolerance and withdrawal show up, along with behaviors like avoiding social interactions and giving up on other activities.	Typical signs of addiction do not appear.
Emotional response after eating*	After overindulging, no feelings of guilt or shame arise.	After binging, remorse or shame is often felt.

The major distinctions between food addiction and compulsive eating disorder are outlined in the table above. Effective treatment and assistance depend on an awareness of these differences.

 

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Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

 

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