Food Addiction Help: CBT for Treating Compulsive Eating
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Published:
Aug 16, 2024
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08:45 p.m.
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Updated:
Sep 16, 2024
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01:25 p.m.
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Compulsive eating is an overwhelming desire to overeat. Some experts call it binge eating. This type of eating disorder causes individuals to eat large amounts of food in a short period of time.
Some individuals compulsively overeat at least twice a week within six months, according to Rochester Medical Center. Those individuals might qualify for compulsive eating.
Treatment is available, especially virtually. The most common form of therapy for compulsive eating is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This guide will explain the warning signs of food addiction and treatment options.
Is Food Addiction real? Is it the same as Compulsive Eating?
According to one study, food addiction is prevalent among some individuals who struggle with mental health disorders. However, food addiction isn’t listed in the DSM-5 manual. It becomes a problem when an individual has a desire to stop eating but can't. They continue eating, even when they're no longer hungry. Some individuals eat to the point where they feel sick.
They need excessive amounts of food to feel "joy" and "euphoria." Food addiction and obesity are under the same category as compulsive eating. These two disorders share many similar traits and warning signs.
Warning signs of overeating and food addiction
Overeating and food addiction have similar symptoms. If you suffer from a binge eating disorder, you might do some of the following:
Eat excessively in a short time
Lose control of diet or eating habits
You might also experience the following:
Feeling guilt, shame, or disgust after binge eating
Eat excessive amounts of food, even when not hungry
Eat alone, causing isolation
Eat until you feel bloated or uncomfortable
Eat more quickly than usual
If you or someone you know struggles with food addiction, speak to a healthcare provider. They can offer resources and information.
Food addiction help & treatment options: Can CBT help?
There are treatment options that can help with food addiction. According to a report from Healthline, most common include:
12-step programs such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA), and Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FARA).
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown promise with eating disorders such as binge eating and bulimia.
Commercial treatment programs that offer treatment for food addiction, such as ACORN, Bittens Addiction, and Shades of Hope.
A combination of psychotherapy and medication that help with cravings or co-occurring mental disorders.
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for food addiction. Studies show that food addiction affects the same areas of the brain as drug addiction. CBT is effective with some eating disorders. Most of the conditions fall under food addiction.
The path to recovery can begin with a free consultation with a licensed counselor from Birches Health. If preferred, you can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches Health team right away.
Rates of food addiction and compulsive eating in the U.S.
In 2023, one out of eight Americans over the age of 50 revealed they struggle with food addiction. Some older adults are at risk of obesity, isolation, or poor mental health. That same study showed that more women are at a higher risk of food addiction than men. Most of them are in their 50s and 60s.
The U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation conducted the study. Based on the findings, most Americans struggle with an addiction to highly processed foods, such as chips, frozen dinners, soda, and fast food.
The most common reported symptom was intense cravings for highly processed food. One out of four adults (24%) said they craved highly processed foods once per week. Nineteen percent said they have urges two to three times per week. Many of them would try to quit or cut back and fail.
Is food addiction treated the same as anorexia and bulimia?
Even though food addiction is considered an eating disorder, there are differences among compulsive eating, anorexia, and bulimia. Compulsive eating is an insatiable craving for food that can develop into a mental obsession. This disorder is based on a chemical dependency for a certain type of food or amount of food.
Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders and mental health problems. These complex psychological problems are rooted in trauma. Common warning signs include restrictive dieting, vomiting food, and exercising to the point of exhaustion. Not all individuals who struggle with bulimia are addicted to food.
Someone with bulimia might purge because they feel their life is out of control. Alternatively, people who use food addiction can reduce negative feelings and enhance their positive emotions. Treatment for eating disorders include psychotherapy, nutritional monitoring, and medication. Meanwhile, food addiction can be treated virtually or in-person with therapies like CBT.
Sources:
Understanding Compulsive Overeating - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center
The Top 4 Treatment Options for Food Addiction
