Study Links Bad Eating Habits with Addictive Behavior
July 23rd, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
For many years, scientists and academicians have worked towards helping to explain the why and how of modern obesity epidemics, both in the United States and in other parts of the world. Recently, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has explored the patterns of thinking about food and eating in relation to behaviors exhibited by those with substance abuse issues, resulting in a significant link between the two. While there are many modern approaches to dieting and weight loss, the assistance of therapy, as in the case of substance abuse, may prove beneficial for overweight clients.
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9 comments so far
seems obvious to me
It’s never about the food. My pantry has comfort foods stuck in dark corners which I eat when I’m bored or upset. Afterwards I feel bad that I did and am getting fat so I eat more. Comfort eating never gives you much comfort for long.
An addiction? Not to the food in my opinion. To filling a void or to the distraction of eating.
Thanks for posting about this, I would love to read more about this topic.
I am in therapy for tv addiction. I can totally relate to this and this was the first side effect of my addiction. I piled on the pounds with all the junk food I used to eat. I lived every moment in front of the tv with no life or relationship other than that. I am learning to get over my destructive behaviour with a forced time table. It’s working and I just think its sad. Addiction to anything causes bad dietary habits.
Aren’t there now 12 step meetings that are geared toward helping people with these kinds of food addictions? I think they are modeled after AA and programs like that. It is hard for me to think of food as an addiction but I guess for many people it is. But I am like the other poster here- I don’t really think it is about the food. I think it is about trying to bring fulfillment into your life but by using unhealthy means. I would also like to learn more about the subject.
I think food can be a serious issue. Peopl who lack confidence and have low self esteem prefer closetting themselves than interacting with the world. They would be the ones to be susceptible to the comfort that food gives. However that comfort zone has to be revisited often to stay in euphoria.
This is very understandable. I have always read that before you put a piece of food in your mouth, stop and think.. “am i really hungry” if not, put it down. It may taste good temporarily, but after 5 mintues, what do u have to show for it, but the taste.
There have been so many times that I know I have turned to food for comfort, not because I am hungry but there is just something about certain types of food that gives me pleasure that cannot be explained. I love the way it tastes and feels in my mouth, but I also love the way it makes me feel emotionally. It makes me feel full and satisfied, and sometimes there is nothing else that will do. I have had my struggles with my weight throughout my adult life and even just typing this I know that this is where so many of my problems stem from. It is simply one of those things that I have no idea how to control.
Great headline. I think two things happen. Their self-confidence goes up (which feels good) and their trust in you increases.