Category: Media Articles

There are many articles written about food addiction. Perhaps one of these will give you insights into food addiction.

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Media Article: Wegovy is the New Methadone

What is this?

Dr. Peter Grinspoon’s article, “Wegovy is the New Methadone“, draws compelling parallels between addiction and obesity, suggesting that they share root causes and can be treated with similar approaches. He explores how GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are showing promise in curbing cravings and promoting weight loss, much like methadone and Suboxone do for opioid addiction. The article also discusses the role of trauma, mental health, and societal stigma in both conditions. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on the interconnectedness of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions like overeating.

How can this help me?

If you struggle with food addiction, this article offers a new lens through which to understand your challenges. It highlights that cravings and the inability to control eating habits may stem from similar brain mechanisms as drug addiction. Learning about the potential of GLP-1 medications to reduce cravings and regulate appetite could provide hope for a different path forward. Furthermore, the article’s emphasis on the role of trauma and mental health may encourage you to seek support for underlying issues contributing to your food addiction.

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Media Article: Eating Disorders are Rising, Fatal, and Ignored

What is this?

Ericka Andersen’s article, “Eating Disorders are Rising, Fatal, and Ignored,” offers a personal and insightful look into the realities of eating disorders. The author shares her own struggle, highlighting the often-misunderstood nature of these mental illnesses and their alarming rise in recent years. It addresses triggers like social media, diet trends, and increasing rates of anxiety, while also emphasizing that eating disorders are not limited to a specific demographic. This piece sheds light on the complexities of disordered eating and the urgent need for increased awareness and resources.

How can this help me?

If you’re grappling with food addiction or disordered eating, this article provides validation and a crucial reminder that you’re not alone. Ericka’s candid account of her own battle can help dismantle feelings of shame and isolation. The piece underscores that eating disorders are mental illnesses, not moral failings, and highlights potential triggers to be mindful of. By understanding the author’s experiences and insights, you may feel more empowered to seek help and begin your own journey toward recovery and self-compassion.

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Media Article: Stress Eating and the Microbiome

photo of a woman holding her stomach

What is this?

The Psychology Today article, “Stress Eating and the Microbiome,” investigates the intricate relationship between gut bacteria, mood, and eating habits. It highlights that microbial dysfunction, rather than character weakness, may be the true underlying issue behind stress eating. The article emphasizes the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut, illustrating how stress can disrupt the microbiome and lead to unhealthy food cravings. This resource provides valuable insights into how our gut health may influence our eating behaviors and emotional well-being.

How can this help?

If you’re struggling with food addiction, this article offers a new perspective on the drivers behind your cravings. By understanding the link between stress, your gut microbiome, and your eating behaviors, you can begin to explore strategies for rebalancing your gut health. While not a cure, this knowledge can empower you to make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle, potentially reducing the intensity of stress-related cravings and supporting your journey to recovery.

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Media Article: How Mom’s vs. Dad’s BMI May Affect Their Children

What is this?

This Psychology Today article (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/your-brain-on-food/202502/how-moms-vs-dads-bmi-may-affect-their-children) explores the complex relationship between parental BMI and children’s weight, highlighting neural differences in food responses. Research suggests that children of overweight parents show altered brain activity when exposed to food cues. Specifically, children at higher obesity risk exhibited reduced neural responses to high-energy-density food cues in brain areas associated with attention and self-regulation. This insight adds depth to our understanding of the intricate interplay of brain function, environment, and learned behaviors.

How can this help me?

For those battling food addiction, this article offers valuable neurological insights that can be empowering. Understanding that children of obese parents show altered brain responses to food cues helps explain why some individuals struggle more with food regulation. This knowledge shifts the focus from personal failure to recognizing the complex biological factors at play. Armed with this information, food addicts can work with healthcare professionals to develop targeted strategies that address these neural patterns. This might include cognitive behavioral techniques to rewire responses to food cues, or exploring medications that influence relevant brain pathways. Recognizing these neurological underpinnings can also reduce shame and self-blame, potentially improving treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

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Media Article: The Glasgow group tackling eating disorders and ‘transforming’ the lives of those suffering

What is this?

This is an article about an Addictive Eaters Anonymous (AEA) group in Glasgow (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/glasgow-group-tackling-eating-disorders-071411417.html). AEA is a fellowship with groups around the world that tackles eating disorders using a twelve-step program. It’s similar to Alcoholics Anonymous but focuses on helping individuals recover from various forms of disordered eating, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. AEA welcomes members who have struggled with food-related issues, regardless of their weight.

How can this help me?

AEA can help food addicts by providing a supportive community where they can share experiences and work towards recovery. The program offers a holistic and spiritual approach to addressing food addiction, teaching members to find freedom from the obsession with food. Through regular meetings, the twelve-step program, and guidance from experienced members, individuals can find support in their journey to overcome disordered eating patterns and transform their lives. AEA also hosts public events to raise awareness and provide information to sufferers, families, and professionals.

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Article: His addiction to ultraprocessed food began as a child

What is this?

This article (https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/27/health/child-addiction-ultraprocessed-foods-wellness/index.html) highlights the alarming prevalence of food addiction among children, with 12% of U.S. children and adolescents meeting clinical criteria for addiction to ultraprocessed foods. It explains how these foods hijack brain reward systems, making it difficult for young people to resist cravings. 

How can this help me?

The article provides insights into the mechanisms of food addiction, which can help people who are addicted to food understand their condition and seek appropriate support.

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Article: The Twelve Steps: A Different View

Twelve step programs are rooted in Christianity, so they can be off-putting to people who are not Christian, or not religious. This article lists 20+ alternative ways of conceptualizing the twelve step in a non-religious way.

https://www.omagod.org/alt-steps

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Article: Before You Take that Bite

What is this?

The pamphlet “Before You Take That Bite” (https://foodaddicts.org/documents/before-you-take-that-bite) is Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) Conference Approved Literature. It offers guidance and support for individuals struggling with food addiction, reminding them that they have a choice each day not to use food addictively. This pamphlet emphasizes the importance of abstaining from addictive eating.

How can this help me?

This pamphlet provides practical strategies for managing cravings and difficult emotions. It encourages the use of the Serenity Prayer, reminding readers that feelings are not facts. The pamphlet advises thinking through the negative consequences of eating addictively and focusing on the benefits of abstinence.

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Article: Eating disorder treatment: Know your options (Mayo Clinic)

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/ART-20046234?p=1