What Is Food Addiction?

Food addiction describes addictive behavior associated with food that leads to coverconsumption.¹ Researchers in the field also refers to it as an “eating addiction”, placing an emphasis on the addictive nature of the behavior instead of the food itself. Individuals with food addiction may struggle to control how much and how often they eat, usually involving hyperpalatable foods that are high in sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and artificial flavors.

How Common Is Food Addiction?  

The prevalence of food addiction differs based on the research. However, most studies show that food addiction is found in approximately 20% of the general population.^1,2 Prevalence is found to be higher in individuals who are overweight, with eating disorder, or those seeking to lose weight.  

How Does Food Addiction Affect Metabolic Health?  

By affecting behaviors surrounding food consumption, food addiction can negatively affect metabolic health.^2,3 Food addiction may not directly cause obesity or metabolic issues, but can affects other factors that in turn contribute to obesity and metabolic syndrome-like risk factors. In one Danish study, a strong relationship was found between food addiction and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).³ Adjusting for body mass index (BMI) attenuated this relationship, showing that BMI may be one of the causal link between food addiction and T2DM.

What Are Ways to Overcome Food Addiction?

Overcoming food addiction requires a multifaceted approach.¹ Current strategies involve psychotherapy, social interventions, pharmacotherapy, and neuromodulation interventions. For those seeking to combat food addiction, decreasing the availability of addictive foods can be a great start. Choosing to skip over unhealthy addictive foods in the grocery store and instead stocking up the fridge with healthy and fresh foods can help individuals to adapt to healthier eating patterns. Additionally, consulting health care professionals about cognitive behavioral therapy or medications such antidepressants or antiaddiction drugs may help fight against food addiction.