What are the types of eaters?

Eater types are distinguished by normal, emotional and addictive eating patterns.

Normal Eaters

Normal eaters may have problems with weight (even obesity) if they do not eat the appropriate number of calories (and exercise moderately) to maintain an ideal, healthy weight. The problem for normal eaters is primarily physical.
If they choose to eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and get support for lifestyle changes, they can lose unwanted weight (or gain weight) and keep their weight in a normal range. Basically, willpower works; just put down the fork and push away from the table.

Emotional Eaters

Emotional eaters often have similar problems with weight but find themselves powerless to follow directions to lose (or gain) weight and restore their health even when they want to. For those with diagnosable eating disorders, i.e. anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder, the underlying problem is mental-emotional.
Emotional eaters use food to numb, seek pleasure, or soothe their feelings. What works for emotional eaters is a moderate food and exercise plan, as well as developing skills to cope with feelings.

Food Addicts

Food addicts become chemically dependent on specific foods or on food in general. The way their body processes food is bio-chemically different than that of normal eaters and emotional eaters. Many food addicts are predisposed to becoming addicted to food – especially to sugar, flour, wheat, fat, salt, caffeine, and/or excess volume to any food – just as alcoholics are predisposed to being chemically dependent on alcohol and drug addicts to heroin, cocaine or prescription drugs.
As the disease of addiction progresses, food addicts become powerless over physical cravings. They develop distortions and obsessions of the mind that keep them denying they have a problem. Diets alone don’t work for food addicts. Simple therapy alone does not work.

What are the types of eaters?
What are the types of eaters_table

What works for food addicts is to eliminate, through physical abstinence, the foods to which they are chemically dependent. In addition, they need to create experiences that help them find some positive meaning in their life to replace what has become an obsessive, almost uncontrollable worship of food above all else.
Most food addicts have weight problems – the majority are obese, though some are a normal weight and some may even be dangerously underweight. Many also have unresolved emotional trauma similar to those who are diagnosed with eating disorders, e.g. anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder.

In short, most food addicts have problems similar to those of normal eaters and emotional eaters. However, the primary treatment for the food addict must address their addiction. Successful, long-term recovery for food addicts requires abstinence coupled with deeper internal healing from trauma, boundaries around abstinent food and structured meal plans, daily mindful practices and prioritizing loving, self-nurturing behavior.

From Addiction to Freedom: Barney Reason’s Powerful Story of Recovery

Dear INFACT Community, 

We’re honored to share a deeply moving new episode of the Food Addiction Podcast, featuring Barney Reason—a Certified Food Addiction Professional, dedicated recovery advocate, and living testament to the power of transformation.

Barney’s journey began in chaos—surviving 16 homes in 16 years, navigating a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and emotional invalidation. He had his first drink at 7, and by 25, was sober from alcohol. But as one addiction ended, another intensified: his food addiction escalated, taking him to 365 pounds and deeper emotional pain.

In this episode, Barney opens up about:

  • His lifelong battle with food, alcohol, and drug addiction

  • The emotional roots of compulsive behavior

  • The turning points in his recovery journey

  • Finding lasting freedom through 12-step recovery

  • His work today helping others find sobriety from addictive eating through SHiFT’s Intensive Program

Barney is now on staff at SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn, a leader in food addiction treatment for over three decades. He uses his lived experience to guide others toward freedom from addiction—because he’s lived it, survived it, and now thrives beyond it.

🎧 This is a conversation about pain, resilience, and the incredible gifts of recovery. You don’t want to miss it.

Listen now!

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.

I’m excited to invite you to a free online introduction to the INFACT School’s Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) Training Program on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

In this 1-hour session, you'll gain a clear overview of our internationally recognized certification and learn how you can:

  • Support individuals in recovery from food addiction
  • Apply a substance use disorder model to your counseling practice
  • Become part of a growing network of professionals working to address this urgent public health issue

Whether you're a healthcare provider, counselor, or simply passionate about helping others, this is a great opportunity to learn how you can make a difference.

We’d love to see you there!

Sign up today!

We’re thrilled to share that Euro Health Leaders Magazine has published a powerful cover story featuring our very own Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir, Founder and Director of the INFACT School and MFM Center in Iceland.

In this deeply personal and insightful piece, Esther opens up about her decades-long battle with food addiction—and how that journey led her to develop one of the world’s first outpatient food addiction treatment centers and the only international certification school for food addiction professionals.

Her story is a testament to the strength of recovery, the need for proper education, and the importance of recognizing food addiction as a serious and treatable condition.

📖 Read the full article and discover how one woman’s vision is shaping the global conversation on food addiction treatment.

Read Now!

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.

Sign up today!

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.

Learn more about SHiFT!
Learn more about Milestones!
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