Eating Disorder Therapist Discusses Food Addiction and Weight Loss Success Story
As featured in GB News. GB News asked me, as an eating disorder therapist, about food addiction and what drives overeating.
Dopamine is part of the brain's reward system, and highly palatable foods can contribute to eating past fullness. That does not mean everyone who overeats has an eating disorder, and "food addiction" is not a formal diagnosis. Binge eating disorder is, and it is treatable with therapy.
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.”Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, to GB News
What dopamine explains
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt are especially palatable, and they can contribute to overeating beyond the point of fullness, often in amounts the body does not need nutritionally.
What eating whole foods does
I support eating more unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods such as produce, lean proteins, and grains. Research suggests they can reduce cravings for ultra-processed snacks, and these nutrient-dense foods help signal to the brain that the body is full and satisfied.
Where food addiction falls short
"Food addiction" describes real distress, but it is not a formal diagnosis, and the label can hide what is actually happening. For many people, the pattern is a cycle of restriction and bingeing, which is a different problem from simply lacking willpower. Cutting out foods more strictly often makes that cycle worse.
Binge eating disorder is a recognized eating disorder. Treatment focuses on the patterns, emotions, and beliefs behind the bingeing, along with regular, adequate eating.
When to get support
- You eat to the point of discomfort and feel out of control while doing it.
- You feel shame or secrecy around food.
- You swing between strict rules and bingeing.
- Thoughts about food and your body take up much of your day.
Read the full article on GB News
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is food addiction a real diagnosis?
No. It is not a formal diagnosis. Binge eating disorder is a recognized eating disorder, and it responds to treatment.
What is the difference between overeating and binge eating disorder?
Occasional overeating is common. Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts with a sense of loss of control, along with distress and shame.
Ready for support?
If food and your body are taking up too much space in your life, I provide eating disorder therapy.
