H. Theresa Wright, MS, RD, LDN

Founder and Director of Renaissance Nutrition Center, Inc.

H. Theresa Wright, MS, RD, LDN, is the founder and Director of Renaissance Nutrition Center, Inc. near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

AS NUTRITION THERAPIST, registered and licensed dietitian and nutritionist, Theresa has worked with people struggling with compulsive eating, obesity, eating disorders, weight loss and food addiction and helped them deal sanely and effectively with their food, eating, and body weight issues for more than 36 years.

She is most acclaimed for her individual and global success with thousands of clients who have improved their lives after working with her to create and maintain successful eating and recovery programs, often in consultation with their own physicians, therapists and other health-care professionals.

Under her direction, Renaissance Nutrition Center, Inc. was developed to provide programs and services to help people develop the skills, tools and lifestyle changes that lead to freedom from self-destructive food behaviors. These programs include both in-person and virtual seminars and workshops which encourage a sane approach to eating and living.

Theresa holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nutrition Science from Drexel University and continues to be a formal presenter at many regional and national conferences, treatment facilities and professional organizations.

In 2013, Today’s Dietitian magazine named Theresa one of “10 Incredible Registered Dietitians Who Are Making a Difference” in its annual showcase.

Her published works include: Food and Addiction: A Comprehensive Handbook a book by Kelly D. Brownell and Mark S. Gold (Oxford University Press) for which she authored a chapter and the three-part cookbook series titled Delicious Recovery and Your Personal Food Plan Guide. A publisher is pending for her newest book, The Sane Food Solution.

The Third Edition of Overeaters Anonymous, published by the twelve step organization, includes special pages authored by Theresa because of her expertise and work with those with eating disorders. Theresa also serves as a Committee Member of Behavioral Health Nutrition, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and on the Board of Directors of the Food Addition Institute.

The Hidden Truth About Ultra-Processed Food and Addiction: Amanda Leith and Esther Helga Discuss

Guests Amanda Leith SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn and Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir, INFACT School both experienced the misery of obesity and countless failed diets—until they discovered their real problem: food addiction, a brain disease. Like many late-stage food addicts, they used food to cope with life, consuming far more food than their bodies needed. Once they recognized their addiction, they began abstinent food plans and recovery programs, shedding excess weight and doing the emotional work required to heal. Today, they live at healthy body weights and enjoy freedom from food addiction—one day at a time. Today, they devote their lives to helping others understand and recover from this illness.

Food addiction is a substance use disorder involving ultra-processed foods, similar to alcohol or drug addiction. Amanda and Esther assess clients using food use history and tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Sugar—technically not a food but an additive—has over 260 names and is often hidden in products through deceptive labeling by food companies.

Many of their clients have tried everything to control their food use and/or lose weight, often arriving desperate and willing to try something new. At SHiFT, Amanda guides clients toward abstinence from addictive foods while addressing the emotional drivers behind food use. As cravings and withdrawal pass, clients gain relief from the addiction and obsessive food thoughts and learn to enjoy eating whole, nourishing foods.

Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, we cannot abstain from food entirely, which makes food addiction more complex. Yet the solution lies in abstaining from addictive foods and engaging in emotional recovery work.

Phil Werdell, website, a pioneer in the field, greatly influenced Amanda and Esther. His teachings on powerlessness and denial are foundational to their treatment approach, and they credit him for shaping their understanding and protocols.

Amanda explains the difference between emotional eating and true food addiction in this episode. While emotional eaters may recover through therapy alone, food addicts must first remove addictive substances and engage in structured recovery with support. At SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn, food and emotional issues are treated concurrently.

With chronic disease and metabolic dysfunction at crisis levels—primarily driven by poor nutrition, food addiction, and obesity—Esther Helga argues that food companies knowingly exploit this addiction for profit.

The International Food Addiction Conference will hold its second event in London, September 4–5, 2025, highlighting food addiction and its comorbidities. At the 2024 London conference, an influential group of professionals reached a Consensus: Ultra-Processed Food is a Substance Use Disorder. Advocacy continues to classify food addiction within the ICD (World Health Organization) and the DSM (American Psychiatric Association), paving the way for insurance coverage of treatment.

Don’t miss this powerful episode as we explore food addiction—its root causes, and the hope of recovery.

Proudly sponsored by:

✨ SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn
Helping people heal from food addiction for over 30 years, SHiFT’s 12-week program and alumni support network offer effective, compassionate care. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today at foodaddiction.com or call 941-378-2122.

✨ Milestones in Recovery
Located in southeast Florida, Milestones offers residential and outpatient treatment for eating disorders and food addiction, with most insurance plans accepted. Learn more at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364.

We are excited to announce new training options for 2025—designed to offer even more flexibility, accessibility, and global reach for aspiring professionals in the field of food addiction recovery.

📅 Next Certification Cohort Begins:

September 19, 2025

🎓 What to Expect from the Program:

170 hours of dynamic and interactive virtual learning
Access to our exclusive student platform filled with tools, community support, and essential resources
A complete package of comprehensive lectures, a detailed teaching manual, and downloadable course materials
Earn the prestigious Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) designation, recognized by the European Certification Board

Whether you're a clinician, counselor, or someone passionate about helping others recover from food addiction, this program is your next step toward making a meaningful impact.

💥 Let’s change lives—starting with yours.

Our Sponsors

SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn

For over three decades, SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn has been a beacon for individuals struggling with food addiction, guiding countless people toward the freedom of a life without food dependency. As a trailblazer in the field of food addiction treatment, SHiFT commits to uplifting clients from the deep grips of food addiction through innovative and comprehensive treatment programs. Whether it's the fixation on food, weight concerns, or the physical and mental burdens of addiction, SHiFT understands these challenges and offers effective solutions. Their 12-week treatment program, supplemented by extensive alumni support, fosters a profound transformation in participants' relationship with food and their bodies. If you are ready to begin a new chapter in your life, free from food dependency, contact SHiFT to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Visit their website at foodaddiction.com or call them at 941-378-2122.

Milestones in Recovery

Milestones in Recovery stands as a pivotal resource for individuals battling eating disorders and food addiction, offering both residential and outpatient treatment options. Nestled in the scenic region of southeast Florida, Milestones boasts a modern facility where highly skilled professionals deliver top-tier treatment and support. Patients receive tailored recovery plans that include guided nutritional counseling and strategies to overcome compulsive eating behaviors. With services spanning various eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge-eating disorder, Milestones ensures comprehensive care. Most health insurance plans are accepted, making it accessible for many seeking help. Take the first step toward a fulfilling and liberated life; contact Milestones to learn more about their programs and how they can assist in your recovery journey. Visit their website at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364 today.

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Learn more about Milestones!

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