Contrary to what many individuals may believe, a food addiction is a serious condition that can severely compromise a person’s ability to thrive and their overall quality of life.
Physical Effects of Food Addiction
Those who might be struggling with an addiction to food will inevitably deal with a myriad of behaviors and symptoms that impact their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
For example, a food addict may suffer with the physical consequences of overeating or repeatedly eating beyond a point of fullness and satisfaction, which may include but is not limited to:
- Digestive issues
- Seep disorders
- Cardiovascular complications
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Diabetes
- Obesity and more
Psychological Effects of Food Addiction
Food addiction does not just impact a person on a physical level. Typically emotional and psychological effects will also arise as a result of a food addiction and can include the development of mental illness such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of Despair
- Low self-esteem and other complications.
Many individuals dealing with a food addiction begin to isolate themselves from loved ones, including family and friends closest to them. Relationships, finances, job/career, and more can be jeopardized due to an uncontrolled food addiction.
The most effective method for addressing the complexity that is involved with a food addiction is through comprehensive treatment with the direction of professionals who specialize in this area.
While care can be received on an outpatient level, some individuals may benefit from a more structured level of care, depending on the severity of their food addiction.
For those who may be having difficulty maintaining even the most basic daily functions and routines and/or who are suffering with severe physical/emotional consequences of a food addiction, residential treatment may serve as a helpful intervention for treatment and recovery.
At a residential level of care, individuals often receive around the clock care from specialists who closely monitor and offer medical, nutritional, and psychological support.
Treatment offered at this level of care may last for a shorter duration of time but can serve as a crucial foundation for beginning the recovery process from a food addiction.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 28, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com