There has been a lot of talk about “food addiction” lately, so I thought I’d put on my “curious” hat and go hunting for what’s around on this topic.
I’m not a specialist in addictions, but I have worked with many, many people who have a difficult relationship with food and have most likely asked themselves (and me!) this very question at some point.
So why do people seem so interested?
Researchers are interested because they’ve found that the particular chemicals and area of the brain that are activated by substance use also seem to be stimulated by overeating (bear in mind that research is very much in its infancy and therefore all findings should be taken with a healthy dose of “hmmmm?”).
People in general seem to be fascinated by the subject. It makes me wonder if the idea of “food addiction” (or more specifically the very fashionable “sugar addiction”) is, for some people, a bit more interesting (and perhaps acceptable?) than a “disorder” and therefore gives people a way to “treat” the behaviour (by cutting the food out) rather than looking for the reasons for the behaviour.
This is not necessarily a bad thing: it might mean people will seek the support they need to overcome a poor relationship with food. But one needs to ask: is it healthy to see food as “addictive” and, most importantly, is it helpful in the long-term?
Q. What is the difference between a food addiction and an eating disorder?
Some may say, very little. Others may say there are many differences. Certainly it seems that the greatest differences do not necessarily lie in the behaviours themselves, but more in their treatment.
Typically, someone who is using certain foods (such as sweet or high-energy foods) as a way of coping with their problems would be advised by their therapist(s) to develop skills to deal with these problems while regulating their eating in a way that respects the body and self.
On the other hand, food addictions (as with other forms of addiction) are typically treated by the “abstinence” model; that is, by cutting out the food in question. If you do eat it, it’s seen as starting all over again. Trouble is, we have to eat to survive, so I’m not convinced that, for most people, cutting the food out altogether is the most helpful way to go.
Q. So is food actually addictive?
There is little evidence that people get addicted to specific foods. Cravings for certain foods and an addiction to food(s) are two different things.
Certainly there are similarities between substance dependence and overeating, such as feelings of loss of control and feelings of an inability to stop or reduce eating certain foods despite a specific intention to do so.
There is also some evidence that some foods are more highly palatable than others (such as those high in fat, sugar and salt) and that people who have over-eaten these foods do experience significant cravings and a sense of “withdrawal” if they have cut them out of their diet.
However, research tells us that after a couple of weeks these sensations and urges can subside. For people who are really struggling with specific foods, one of the first steps may be aiming to avoid them where possible (with the express intention that this is temporary) while putting alternative strategies in place. For others, modifying or identifying specific habits around food and eating might be more helpful.
Many believe that cutting out the food you desire but should not eat is the way to go. But I feel this only leads to guilt when you have a lapse. Not so helpful. In my opinion it is not healthy to be fearful of food and eating – especially for dancers, who need plenty of energy as well as a balanced lifestyle.
Dancers should aim to meet as many of their nutritional needs as possible, which includes getting enough sleep and increasing your dose of Vitamin F – Fun!
If you are concerned about your eating patterns, please see an experienced health professional.
This article was first published in the June-July 2014 issue of Dance Australia magazine.