Many people struggle with the inability to resist food, without realizing that this may actually be a form of addiction—one that requires treatment because it affects both physical and mental health.
Dr. Jen Unwin, a psychologist who has herself battled what she calls “food addiction” for decades, explains that despite professional success and a stable family life, she was unable to resist sweets. A single bite was enough to trigger a binge that would end in nausea, followed by feelings of helplessness and despair.
Dr. Unwin believes that recognizing her complicated relationship with food as an addiction was the first step toward regaining control over her eating habits. She was eventually able to heal and improve her overall health. Today, she advocates internationally for food addiction to be recognized as a legitimate disorder—one that should be treated as seriously as alcohol, smoking, or drug addiction. In fact, she argues that food addiction may be the hardest one to overcome.
To determine whether someone is suffering from serious food addiction, Dr. Unwin highlights several key warning signs. The situation becomes concerning if three or more of the following symptoms are present:
1. Certain Foods Are Irresistible
Dr. Unwin explains: “If you find yourself constantly thinking about a specific food and craving it so intensely that you feel the need to prepare or eat it daily—like making pancakes or waffles with chocolate, or consuming pastries every day—that’s a form of addiction. This is especially true when the craving is for sweet, soft, sugary foods.”
2. Increased Consumption of Sweets
Sugar and sweets are among the most addictive food types. Dr. Unwin says: “If you start having a piece of dessert every evening, your tolerance will grow, and soon you’ll need two or three pieces to feel the same satisfaction. Often, eating chocolate or cake at night is more about entertainment than hunger, which turns it into an addiction requiring urgent intervention.”
3. Prioritizing Food
A common sign of addiction is giving food top priority throughout the day—consuming large quantities or frequently going to restaurants and cafés to indulge in high-fat, fast food meals at any time. When this becomes a habit, it indicates a deeper issue.
4. You Can’t Stop Eating
Dr. Unwin notes that addiction becomes clear when you lose control over snacking as well. Craving chips or cookies becomes essential to your day, and you may not realize that your portions are increasing over time. Eventually, you may be consuming large amounts daily without even noticing.
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