Indications of Food Addictions

Recent studies have showed that approximately 67% of Americans are obese or overweight. While this statistic may be the result of a number of things, one of the leading causes of obesity is food addiction. Food addiction is a sickness that is generally associated by an anxiety or infatuation with food. Food addicts are often obsessed with the amount of food they eat, sometimes caused by an over concern with body weight and image. Food addiction also relates to those with anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive eating disorders.
With any addiction associated with dependence, it is important to spot the signs early in order to prevent the disease from worsening. A food addict's recovery could take years, so eliminating the problem in the preliminary stages is the primary means of prevention. Here is a list of warning signs that are linked to food addicts:
• Constantly thinks about food
• Stress and anxiety lead to eating binges
• Becomes worrisome about the thought of food or while eating food (which tends to lead to even more consumption)
• Eating until they become sick
• Eating simply because there is food in front of them
• Eating quickly so that they can in turn eat more before becoming full
• Eating after becoming full
• Feelings of guilt after overeating
• Hides food and eat in secrecy so that others don't detect overeating
• Binging after dieting
• Doesn't like hunger or anything associated with it
• Thinks that food is the enemy and can be harmful
• Constant trips to the bathroom after meals (telltale sign of bulimia)
• Denying any problem when the subject is broached
Many of these signs can be trailed back to drug addicts and alcoholics. It is important to note that food addictions can sometimes be just as serious as these other harmful diseases. On the contrary, it you or a loved one suffer from one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessary guarantee that there is an eating problem. Be sure to contact a physician if you have any questions or concerns.
While some people refuse to take food addictions seriously, it is a severe problem that thousands of us face. A food addicts recovery time may often be longer than expected, but with the support of family and friends, many people can overcome this wretched disease.