Food addiction symptoms found in 1 out of 8 Americans over 50 years of age

Food addiction is a condition where some people experience a compulsive or uncontrollable urge to eat certain foods, especially those high in sugar, fat, and salt. These foods can activate the reward system in the brain, similar to addictive drugs, and make people crave more of them. Food addiction can lead to overeating, binge eating, obesity, and other health problems.

A recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan found that one in eight Americans over 50 show signs of food addiction. The poll surveyed more than 2,000 adults aged 50 to 80 and asked them about their eating habits and behaviors. The results showed that 13% of respondents met the criteria for food addiction, based on a questionnaire developed by Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Science & Policy. The poll also found that food addiction was more common among women, younger adults, those with lower income and education levels, and those who were obese. READ MORE

Food Addiction Symptoms Found in 1 Out Of 8 Americans Over 50 Years Of Age

The researchers said that food addiction is a serious issue that needs more attention and awareness. They suggested that people who struggle with food addiction should seek professional help and try to avoid their trigger foods. They also recommended that health care providers screen older adults for food addiction and offer them appropriate treatment and support.

The Food Addiction Institute advocates for a “food addiction informed” approach to treatment and support that includes abstinence from trigger foods including sugar, grains and highly processed foods, a structured and regulated daily meal plan, a support community, network, and daily communication with a primary support sponsor, coach, guide and/or committed listener, exercise, mindfulness, boundaries, and daily practice of self-care that addresses physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs.

New Episode: Breaking Free from Food Addiction with David Wolfe

Struggling with food cravings and addictive eating behaviors?

Episode 35 of The Food Addiction Podcast features David Wolfe, Certified Food Addiction Counselor and co-founder of SUGARx Global, sharing powerful insights on recovery.

David co-authored The Fix for Cravings with Cynthia Myers-Morrison, offering practical strategies to manage cravings and sustain long-term recovery. In this episode, he covers:

✅ Identifying food addiction patterns
✅ The role of community support and counseling
✅ Breaking through denial, shame, and guilt
✅ Removing trigger foods for lasting recovery
✅ Educating healthcare providers on food addiction

At SUGARx Global, David helps individuals understand the addictive nature of certain foods and develop a personalized path to healing. His own journey with obsessive food behaviors led him to The INFACT School, where he discovered the science behind addiction and recovery.

🎧 Listen now!

📢 Share this episode with anyone who needs hope and real solutions!

Warm regards,
Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir
Founder, INFACT School

Tune in now!

We’re thrilled to announce the Monthly Guest Lecturer Series, featuring the biggest names and brightest minds in food addiction research and treatment! This is your chance to learn directly from the pioneers shaping the field, including:

  • Dr. Vera Tarman, MD – Renowned addiction expert and author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction.
  • Nicole M. Avena, PhD – Leading neuroscientist and author of Why Diets Fail, specializing in the science of food addiction.
  • Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD – New York Times bestselling author and founder of Bright Line Eating.
  • Robert H. Lustig, M.D. – World-famous endocrinologist and author of Fat Chance, known for his expertise in sugar addiction and metabolic health.

…and many other trailblazing thought leaders!

💡 Want to learn from the best? These lectures are open to everyone—no CFAP certification required!

🎓 Pricing Options:

  • $40 per individual lecture
  • $325 for a 10-lecture bundle (save $75!)

This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the experts driving change in how we understand and treat food addiction. Whether you're a professional or simply passionate about the topic, these lectures will empower and inspire you.

Message us to learn more!

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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