Category: Videos

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Video: Irresistible: Why we can’t stop eating

What is this?

“Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Eating” is a one-hour BBC documentary presented by Dr. Chris van Tulleken that explores the world of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on our health. This Instagram reel is an excerpt from that documentary, but if you are in the UK, you can watch the full documentary here. The reel delves into why these foods are so addictive and how they have come to dominate our food culture. It features interviews with former food industry insiders who reveal the deliberate strategies used by food companies to make their products irresistible.

How can this help me?

This documentary can help food addicts by providing insight into the science behind food addiction and the deliberate tactics used by the food industry. It explains concepts like ‘vanishing caloric density,’ which can help viewers understand why certain foods are so hard to resist. By exposing the intentional design of ultra-processed foods to be addictive, it may empower viewers to make more informed choices about their diet and recognize that their struggles with food are not solely due to lack of willpower.

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Video: A Food Addict’s Lesson

What is this?

This is a TEDx Talk by Michelle Petties, a self-described food addict in recovery. In her talk, Petties shares her personal journey with food addiction, highlighting her struggles with emotional overeating and yo-yo dieting over 40 years. She discusses the confusion she experienced around food and its purpose, which led to her food addiction. Petties also recounts a pivotal story about her uncle and a watermelon that gave her clarity about the connection between food and feelings. She emphasizes that food is just fuel, not a source of happiness or comfort.

How can this help me?

Michelle’s talk can help a suffering food addict by offering hope and clarity. Her story shows that it is possible to find peace with food and overcome addiction. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional connection to food and how this impacts eating habits. She also shares key questions that she asks herself before eating, such as “Why am I eating this now? and “Am I hungry or am I something else?”. The talk promotes the idea that it’s possible to access feelings without using food as a crutch.

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Video: The Battle Over Food Addiction by Dr. Robert Lustig

What is this?

This is a video of a talk given by Dr. Robert Lustig at the International Food Addiction Consensus Conference (IFACC) held in London in May 2024. Dr. Lustig, a renowned neuroendocrinologist, argues against the prevailing “eating addiction” framework promoted by groups like NeuroFAST, asserting that the real issue is addiction to food additives, specifically sugar and caffeine. Lustig presents substantial scientific evidence, including neuroimaging studies, to support his claim that sugar’s addictive properties stem from its effects on dopamine and leptin signalling in the brain, leading to reward-seeking behaviour and metabolic dysfunction. He emphasizes the need for policy changes and public education to combat this, advocating for a harm-reduction approach similar to that used for tobacco.

How can this help me?

Watching videos about the science of food addiction can help people who are addicted to food understand why they might be experiencing challenges in controlling what and how much they eat. Understanding the biochemical reactions in the brain that are caused by eating additives such as sugar and caffeine can help people who are addicted to food be more compassionate towards themselves and figure out how to take appropriate action. Also, knowing that the scientific community is actively working on this problem is encouraging.