Food Addiction: Why We Crave and Overeat

The act of eating is a double-edged sword. You must eat to live, but constant overeating damages your health and quality of life. Unlike other addictive actions, such as gambling and abusing alcohol, compulsive overeaters still must eat. Human beings are nurtured and rewarded with food, which explains its strong and frequently complicated connection to our emotions. A psychiatrist can help you end your dangerous cycle of compulsive overeating. 

You are guaranteed superior care at the office of New Rochelle Psychiatry Office. We’re at the forefront of advances in mental health therapies and treatments. As experts in our field, we enjoy greeting our patients with welcoming smiles. You will receive the utmost care in a warm and pleasant environment as we examine every aspect of your case and talk with you about your care options.

Many food addicts use food to cope with one or more significant childhood traumas, such as sexual abuse, the death of a parent, domestic violence aimed at them, abuse from an adult or their parents’ divorce. Food triggers feel-good brain chemicals that include dopamine, bringing instant comfort and a diversion from the emotional distress tied to their traumatic memories. 

Many compulsive overeaters are happy only when they’re eating. They concentrate on foods high in sugar, fat and salt. When that dopamine rush kicks in, they quickly want to eat those highly palatable foods again even if they’re not hungry, anticipating the soothing rewards of food. It’s also possible to create a tolerance to food: The more you eat, the less you’re gratified. 

A compulsive eater is likely obese. A body mass index (BMI) is a measure that relates body weight to height. A BMI of 40 or above indicates extreme obesity. Excess body fat is linked to an increased risk of diseases including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. 

Seek help. It can be hard to stop overeating on your own, especially if it’s driven by deep-rooted emotional problems. Working with a psychiatrist can help you uncover the triggers that are driving your behavior. The office of New Rochelle Psychiatry Office eagerly provides patients with personal and superior care. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.