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The Latest on Food Addiction
Preliminary evidence of benefits from a study Wiss coauthored points to success for weekly group and individual educational and psychological support alongside a whole-food eating plan.
“This is very different from traditional diet advice where we tell you what to do… and if you don’t succeed, you have to try harder. This is offering support based on the assumption this is a brain disorder that needs consistent behavioral modification, insights, and community, all to support the rewiring of the brain,” Wiss says.
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The breadth of recent work on UPF addiction illustrates continued scientific and public interest in the construct and its implications for understanding and treating overeating behaviors and obesity. One pressing gap is the lack of targeted interventions for UPF addiction, which may result in more optimal clinical outcomes for this underserved population.
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The adage, “all foods fit,” has been an eating disorder (ED) treatment dogma for decades. In other words, there is an almost monolithic belief or proclamation within the ED field that “there are no bad foods” when it comes to the nutritional rehabilitation of all patients with all forms of EDs. Decades of clinical experience have demonstrated that this approach is helpful in addressing the restrictive dimension of ED pathology across phenotypes. However, for many individuals with EDs, eating symptoms extend beyond the domain of dietary restraint.
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DISORDERED EATING and EATING DISORDERS
Disordered Eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may not qualify for a specific eating disorder diagnosis but can still negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental health.
Common characteristics include irregular eating patterns (such as skipping meals or overeating), emotional eating, preoccupation with food and body image, and compensatory behaviors like excessive exercise or misuse of laxatives.
Disordered eating can be influenced by societal pressures, personal factors like low self-esteem, and life stressors. Although less severe than eating disorders, it can lead to significant health problems such as nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Early intervention and professional support are essential for addressing disordered eating behaviors.
Eating Disorders are serious mental health conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that can severely impact a person's health and well-being. The three most common eating disorders are:
Anorexia Nervosa - Characteristics: Severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and significant weight loss. Health Risks: Malnutrition, osteoporosis, heart problems, anemia, and kidney failure.
Bulimia Nervosa - Characteristics: Episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. Health Risks: Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, severe dental problems, and heart problems.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - Characteristics: Recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without compensatory behaviors. Health Risks: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems.
ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD ADDICTION
Ultra-Processed Food Addiction is a substance use disorder characterized by a compulsive need to consume certain foods despite negative consequences. This addiction is often linked to highly palatable, ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt. The condition can lead to physical, psychological, and social problems. UPFA is characterized by:
Cravings: Intense and persistent cravings for specific foods, particularly those high in sugar, fat, and salt.
Loss of Control: Inability to stop eating certain foods once starting, even when not hungry.
Overeating: Consuming more food than intended, often eating quickly and to the point of discomfort.
Preoccupation with Food: Constant thoughts about food, meals, and eating.
Continued Use Despite Consequences: Persisting in eating certain foods despite adverse physical, emotional, or social consequences.
Biological Basis Neurochemical Changes: Consumption of highly palatable foods triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, similar to the effects of addictive drugs like cocaine and nicotine. This activation of the brain's reward system reinforces the behavior, making it difficult to stop.
Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis: Recent research suggests that the consumption of ultra-processed foods can alter the brain-gut-microbiome axis, impacting cravings and food intake behaviors. Changes in gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior, contributing to the addictive nature of certain foods.
Health Impacts Physical Health: Food addiction can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems.
Mental Health: It is often associated with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
Social Consequences: Food addiction can lead to social isolation, relationship problems, and reduced quality of life.
Using an Evidence-Based Model to work at the Intersection of Disordered Eating and Addiction
Sweet Sobriety provides the tools, resources, and support necessary for individuals to achieve and maintain recovery from food addiction.
We strive to create a compassionate and empowering community where members can find hope, healing, and long-term success.
There is a significant overlap between eating disorders and food addiction, with studies suggesting that up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders may also have substance use disorders. Both conditions share neurobiological pathways involving dopamine and endogenous opiate systems, contributing to compulsive behaviors. Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies that address both conditions simultaneously.
There is a dearth of published data on any intervention outcomes for individuals struggling with addictive behaviors relating to food. Meanwhile, clinicians and coaches are providing services to some clients seeking help. The data presented here represent an audit of three online low-carbohydrate “real food” programs with psychoeducation and social support currently delivered in three locations in North America and Europe.
The current data are the first to demonstrate the short-term clinical effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate “real food” intervention delivered in an online group format with education and social support for individuals with FA symptoms.
To learn more about the treatment intervention used, you can read the initial published results HERE. You can also check out the Foundations Course which is an expanded version of the treatment intervention we used with over 100 participants.
Please do not hesitate to email us at info@sweetsobriety.ca
