Answers (14)
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Having just read this question and not done any research, this is my opinion:
I think an addiction of any sort is a problem. It suggests an imbalance in somebody's life and that they have had to develop a external crutch on which to rely, rather than on their own inner faith and strength.
From what I've witnessed, an addiction is a behavioral symptom of the root problem, not the cause; it's a coping mechanism that may provide solace in the short-run, but will ultimately prove detrimental over time.
Maybe Jude could offer more insight (she recently posted a question about "addiction sickness" and offered some valuable insight into its cause and treatment).
I think an addiction of any sort is a problem. It suggests an imbalance in somebody's life and that they have had to develop a external crutch on which to rely, rather than on their own inner faith and strength.
From what I've witnessed, an addiction is a behavioral symptom of the root problem, not the cause; it's a coping mechanism that may provide solace in the short-run, but will ultimately prove detrimental over time.
Maybe Jude could offer more insight (she recently posted a question about "addiction sickness" and offered some valuable insight into its cause and treatment).
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Food addiction is real. There have been numerous studies published relative to this area. Salt, Fat, and Sugar are three primary substance that people get addicted to. Food establishments, manufactures have mastered integrating these ingredients into any food to create an addiction. Some psychological based research studies were published (dont have on hand at the moment) that showed that addictions to food can be worse than cocaine or herion.
Couple of EXCELLENT books I recommend on this topic!
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
Brian Wansink Ph.D.
The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite
David Kessler
Fuel the Movement,
JM
Couple of EXCELLENT books I recommend on this topic!
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
Brian Wansink Ph.D.
The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite
David Kessler
Fuel the Movement,
JM
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Sometimes I think that a food addiction is even worse than a drug addiction. With a drug addiction you have the luxury of being able to quit altogether. Ask anyone who quit smoking: most of them will say that they cannot just smoke the occasional cigarette. It's all or nothing.
With food, that's not an option. You have to come to terms with it somehow, and that in the presence of an advertisement industry that boasts that 'you can't eat just one'.
I second Jason's comment and his book recommendations. I like Dr. Kessler's book particularly well because it allowed me an insight into the mindset of over-eaters which I would not have had otherwise. Being somebody myself who really does not have an issue with food, it is not easy to understand what goes on in somebody's mind who is powerless in the presence of food. This is well described in Dr. Kessler's book.
With food, that's not an option. You have to come to terms with it somehow, and that in the presence of an advertisement industry that boasts that 'you can't eat just one'.
I second Jason's comment and his book recommendations. I like Dr. Kessler's book particularly well because it allowed me an insight into the mindset of over-eaters which I would not have had otherwise. Being somebody myself who really does not have an issue with food, it is not easy to understand what goes on in somebody's mind who is powerless in the presence of food. This is well described in Dr. Kessler's book.
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Yes! Just like anorexia, bulimia, and the female athlete triad, food addiction is very real and should be taken seriously! It kills!
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Yes, I believe it's real. Having worked with a few clients who have issues with food, I can say that in my experience and opinion the "addiction" is really often in the comfort that the person feels from the food rather than the actual food itself - unlike some drug addictions (so I'm told) where the actual drug is craved by the body. Whether it's the food itself, or simply the comfort feeling that the person gets from the food, I believe that food addiction IS real.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecftiness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecftiness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
Absolutely! See the following study from Yale University.
http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/addiction/FoodA...
http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/addiction/FoodA...
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I think they are addicted to what food gives them, PLEASURE or comfort or any other feeling is what they are after.
A lot of times I have noticed that people that overeat have very good excentuated taste buds which makes it even harder to eat right. Usually they can describe how the food tastes and what is in it far better than some.
A lot of times I have noticed that people that overeat have very good excentuated taste buds which makes it even harder to eat right. Usually they can describe how the food tastes and what is in it far better than some.
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Define addiction.
I have been in this business for seven years and have studied this subject extensively.
I have come to the conclusion that most addictoins are manifested by one's past trauma and experienceds in life. Most people with eating disorders are seeking inner peace. They are trying to fill a void within. It is not that they are lazy, or don't care. IF they did not care, they would not be seeking help.
Eating disorders are very complicated, and not resolved by most standard approaches such as diets and exercise. This may help, but if there is truely a eating disorder that is in place, the client needs professional help..couselling, which is not in the scope of personal trainers.
I have worked with many clients who have had eating disorders and I found my successes were with those who were exercising, eating healthy balanced meals (no diets) and getting counseling.
I have had gastric by pass clients who gained all their weight back even when they were following my program, because they refused to go to their schedule counseling sessions.
Stress is the number one factor for triggering addictions, as well as low self esteem.
Consider how much stress your client is under. Maybe a divorce, or highly stressful job, or even you are working with someone who is a perfectionists and puts too much stress on themselves. Suggest ways to reduce stress such as medition, yoga, or mind body biofeed back sessions with a professional.
Be aware that obesity is a disease not to be taken lightly.
But also be aware that IF someone does not lose weight under your guidance, you have done everything you can do help them. You are not a failure, and neither are they. They just may need professional help.
I have been in this business for seven years and have studied this subject extensively.
I have come to the conclusion that most addictoins are manifested by one's past trauma and experienceds in life. Most people with eating disorders are seeking inner peace. They are trying to fill a void within. It is not that they are lazy, or don't care. IF they did not care, they would not be seeking help.
Eating disorders are very complicated, and not resolved by most standard approaches such as diets and exercise. This may help, but if there is truely a eating disorder that is in place, the client needs professional help..couselling, which is not in the scope of personal trainers.
I have worked with many clients who have had eating disorders and I found my successes were with those who were exercising, eating healthy balanced meals (no diets) and getting counseling.
I have had gastric by pass clients who gained all their weight back even when they were following my program, because they refused to go to their schedule counseling sessions.
Stress is the number one factor for triggering addictions, as well as low self esteem.
Consider how much stress your client is under. Maybe a divorce, or highly stressful job, or even you are working with someone who is a perfectionists and puts too much stress on themselves. Suggest ways to reduce stress such as medition, yoga, or mind body biofeed back sessions with a professional.
Be aware that obesity is a disease not to be taken lightly.
But also be aware that IF someone does not lose weight under your guidance, you have done everything you can do help them. You are not a failure, and neither are they. They just may need professional help.
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YES IT IS!!! With that out of the way, I would highly recommend reading 'The End of Overeating' by David Kessler, if you in any way communicate with someone(s) that have food addiction. An understanding is paramount in your arsenal against this type of overeating.
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Food addictions have a neurochemical, thus physiological, basis, making them absolutely real. Those who claim they are something else tend to be unaware of the neurochemistry/physiology of addiction and/or the neurochemical effects of foods.
Genetic predisposing factors may be involved, including family history of alcoholism, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypertension, and more. There are non-genetic predisposing factors, as well, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (which alters neurochemistry) and body type. It does no one a service to encourage them to regard an addictive response to specific foods (sugar or saturated fats, for example) as if it were not an addiction when the brain response is often as genetic as eye color. We each got what we got. The good news is that changes in diet can alter neurochemical levels and result in beneficial modifications in cravings, appetite, mood and food preferences.
My dissertation was on Psychoactive Nutrition in the Treatment of Women with Binge-Eating Disorder (1999). Controlling sugar intake was found to have a profound effect on bingeing and craving. I would be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you,
Joan S. Kent
Ph.D., Psychoactive Nutrition
M.S., Exercise Physiology
Genetic predisposing factors may be involved, including family history of alcoholism, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypertension, and more. There are non-genetic predisposing factors, as well, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (which alters neurochemistry) and body type. It does no one a service to encourage them to regard an addictive response to specific foods (sugar or saturated fats, for example) as if it were not an addiction when the brain response is often as genetic as eye color. We each got what we got. The good news is that changes in diet can alter neurochemical levels and result in beneficial modifications in cravings, appetite, mood and food preferences.
My dissertation was on Psychoactive Nutrition in the Treatment of Women with Binge-Eating Disorder (1999). Controlling sugar intake was found to have a profound effect on bingeing and craving. I would be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you,
Joan S. Kent
Ph.D., Psychoactive Nutrition
M.S., Exercise Physiology
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Food addiction is definitely real. I think it is much more challenging to deal with than drug addiction because at least one makes a choice to take a drug to satisfy the addiction. Food labeling practices today make it challenging to try to eliminate foods that we may experience adverse affects from. Sugar is a big food addiction as Joan states - but just as big of a problem and equally responsible for obesity, chronic diseases and brain disorders is MSG and the precursors that convert to MSG (glutamic acid). It's hidden, ubiquitous and I guarantee we all are addicted to one degree or another to that little molecule. It excites our neurons and tells our brains that whatever food we are eating that contains MSG is yummy.
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Hi, Katie.
You sent me a couple of questions that I'd like to answer.
In addition to the more obvious addictive foods, such as sugars, saturated fats, and processed flour, virtually any food can result in addiction for susceptible individuals. This can occur due to various food sensitivities (sometimes called "allergies", a controversial term with respect to foods). The so-called "allergic" reaction results in a neurochemical cascade that may trigger an addictive response, so some people with food sensitivities end up addicted to the very foods that make them feel worst.
Regarding the elimination diet you asked about, I may use that at times for suspected food sensitivities. Other food addictions hinge on general neurochemical responses (by all) that are problematic for some due to predisposing factors, based on family history. That can often be determined via questionnaire. If more specific information is necessary (by blood test, for example), I refer to an M.D.
Thanks,
Joan
You sent me a couple of questions that I'd like to answer.
In addition to the more obvious addictive foods, such as sugars, saturated fats, and processed flour, virtually any food can result in addiction for susceptible individuals. This can occur due to various food sensitivities (sometimes called "allergies", a controversial term with respect to foods). The so-called "allergic" reaction results in a neurochemical cascade that may trigger an addictive response, so some people with food sensitivities end up addicted to the very foods that make them feel worst.
Regarding the elimination diet you asked about, I may use that at times for suspected food sensitivities. Other food addictions hinge on general neurochemical responses (by all) that are problematic for some due to predisposing factors, based on family history. That can often be determined via questionnaire. If more specific information is necessary (by blood test, for example), I refer to an M.D.
Thanks,
Joan
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I absolutely think so! Check out Dr. Neal Barnard's book "Breaking the Food Seduction."
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Actually I think Sugar, Fat and Salt addictions are for real
I think that over the past 30 years the food industry has supplied us with chemicals rather than real food and our bodies are responding
I think food can and is used for emotional stuffing
I think that over the past 30 years the food industry has supplied us with chemicals rather than real food and our bodies are responding
I think food can and is used for emotional stuffing
