Exploring Food Addiction
Obesity is such a complex disease that scientists continue to search for additional explanations. Food addiction may be one factor. Research has implicated an addictive process in the development and maintenance of obesity.
Behavioral markers of addiction show parallel patterns in addictive-like eating behavior and substance dependence:
- continued use despite negative consequences
- unsuccessful attempts to cut down or avoid addictive behavior
- response of brain patterns to drugs and highly palatable foods
- increased tolerance – the need to consume larger amounts to get the “high”
- Existing research into food addictions, which included animal and human studies, show striking similarities in use and withdrawal patterns of sugar and of classic drugs of abuse
The bottom line of these clinical parallels as they relate to food addiction can be simply stated: food addiction is an unhealthy relationship with food. It can occur in people of all ages, races and sexes. It is seen across all income and education levels. Food addiction seems to have a genetic tendency and a relationship to brain chemistry. Food addiction develops over time, particularly in our food culture environment.
Food addition and weight loss surgery
Not everyone who suffers from obesity is a food addict. However, studies have shown that about 70 percent of patients who undergo weight loss surgery have a food addiction. Many patients feel that bariatric surgery will cure their food addiction. Bariatric surgery, be it a restrictive procedure like the Lap-Band or the Sleeve Gastrectomy or a combination of restriction and malabsorption, such as the gastric bypass, does not cure food addiction. The physical changes that weight loss surgery imposes can be a helpful tool in controlling the amount of food consumed at one time; however, it does not address the underlying causes of an unhealthy relationship with food.
Help when you need it
Food addiction is a daily struggle for many weight-loss surgery patients. It may be dormant for a few months to years after surgery, but many patients still struggle with food addiction. The key is to find help and not suffer with it alone. Untreated food addiction can lead to physical problems related to the bariatric procedure, severe depression, weight regain or inadequate weight loss, malnutrition, surgery-induced bulimia, and addiction transfer (alcoholism, etc.).
We understand the difficulty patients face and have introduced extensive pre-operative classes and On Track Support Groups for post-operative patients that specifically address food addiction. Further, we have a wonderful team of specialized healthcare professionals who have many years of experience working with patients who suffer from food addiction. You are not alone. We are here to help. Please contact our office in Connecticut to find out more about food addiction treatment options. To participate in the next On Track Support Group on Wednesday, September 14th at 6:30 PM to 8 PM at Griffin Hospital, please click here. On Track Support Groups are held every second Wednesday evening of the month at Griffin Hospital.
References:
The Skinny