Food addiction is not understood
Food Addiction Is Not Understood

Laura Edelbacher

This is a synopsis of this NYTimes article by Written by Dani Blum. who is a reporter for Well at The New York Times, focused on news and trends.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common and serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and distress.

But what if we look at BED from a different perspective? What if we consider the possibility that some people may have a food addiction, similar to how others may have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or gambling?

Food addiction is a term that some researchers use to describe a compulsive or uncontrollable urge to eat certain foods that do not relate to hunger or nutritional needs. These foods are usually high in fat, sugar, or salt, and they trigger pleasurable chemicals in the brain that act as a reward. Over time, these foods may hijack the brain’s reward system and make it harder for people to stop eating them, even when they cause negative consequences for their health, well-being, and relationships.

Food addiction is not yet a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, but there is growing evidence that it may be a valid and useful concept for understanding and treating some cases of BED. For example, studies have found that up to 20% of people with BED may meet the criteria for food addiction, based on a scale called the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). These people tend to have more severe symptoms, higher body mass index (BMI), and lower quality of life than those who do not have food addiction.

Moreover, some treatments that target addiction mechanisms and some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, practicing mindful eating, seeking social support, and engaging in physical activity, may help people cope with their food addiction and improve their overall health.

By recognizing the addictive potential of certain foods and how they affect the brain and behavior, we may be able to offer more tailored and effective interventions for people who struggle with food addiction, starting with abstaining from trigger foods that contain sugar, grains and highly processed ingredients.

It's almost time! Become a Food Addiction Professional at INFACT!

Hello friends and colleagues,

The final countdown has begun! In less than a week, The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment is launching our transformative Food Addiction Professional Certification Course.

Kick-off with a 3-Day Intensive: September 6th, 7th, and 8th

Here’s what you’ll gain:

170 hours of dynamic and interactive online virtual sessions.
Exclusive access to our student platform, filled with essential resources and continuous support.
In-depth lectures and a comprehensive teaching manual to guide your learning.
A prestigious Food Addiction Professional Certificate (CFAP) from the European Certification Board.

This course is your pathway to becoming a certified expert in the rapidly growing field of food addiction counseling. With limited spaces available, time is of the essence! Seize this opportunity to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those battling food addiction.

Secure your spot today and join us on this life-changing journey!

Warm regards,
Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir

Sign up

Did you know that we offer flexible payment plans and have limited scholarship opportunities available to help you on your journey to becoming a certified Food Addiction Professional. For more information, please message Esther at esther@infact.is.

Step into your calling and make a lasting impact—enroll today and start your journey toward becoming a certified expert in food addiction recovery. Contact us now to secure one of the few remaining spots!

Sign up today!
Eszter's Transformative Journey with INFACT
Eszter's Transformative Journey with INFACT

If you missed our recent webinar or want to revisit the valuable insights shared, we’ve got great news! The recording of our latest session, "Pathways to Recovery: Certified Food Addiction Professional Training," is now available for you to watch at your convenience.

In this 1-hour webinar, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how you can help others recover from food addiction and elevate your career through effective counseling and treatment for food as a substance use disorder.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the growing field of food addiction counseling. Watch the recording now and discover how you can make a lasting impact.

Check out the recording!

Are you interested in discovering if you are a food addict?

The INFACT School now offers you access to a free diagnostic tool called the Yale Scale. If you’re curious to find out whether you might have a food addiction or just keen to see the self-report measure in action, you can complete the questionnaire below.

Once you complete the questionnaire, we will be in touch with the next steps to help you in your recovery process.

Complete questionnaire
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