{"id":3909,"date":"2022-11-02T19:56:47","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T19:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/utahbariatrics.com\/?p=3909"},"modified":"2022-11-02T19:56:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T19:56:47","slug":"food-addictions-and-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/utahbariatrics.com\/food-addictions-and-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Addictions and Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret that food is essential to human survival. Not only does it provide necessary sustenance, it can also be a gratification component of pleasure and enjoyment through many different tastes, smells, and textures. However, for many individuals, food can become a very serious addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Food Addiction?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Food addiction (FA) is loosely defined as the eating behavior in which the consumption of highly palatable foods, such as foods high in salt, fat, and sugar, in quantities beyond homeostatic energy requirements.1<\/sup><\/a> Food addiction is similar in symptoms with other eating disorders, such as binge eating. When foods high in fat and sugar are consumed, it triggers a chemical reaction in the brain that induces the feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

A study led by Dr. Magalie Lenoir<\/span><\/a> found that cocaine-addicted rats chose sugar when given the option to consume cocaine or sugar. 94% of the addicted rats showed a preference for sugar over cocaine.2<\/sup><\/a> Dr. Lenoir concluded during the demonstration that, \u201cintense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward, even in drug-sensitized and addicted individuals\u2026The supranormal stimulation of [sweet] receptors by sugar-rich diets, such as those now widely available in modern societies, would generate a supranormal reward signal in the brain, with the potential to override self-control mechanisms and thus to lead to addiction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical and Mental Health Distress<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It can be a complex ferocious cycle when we consume copious amounts of certain foods. It affects not only our physical health, but our mental health in ways we might not expect. We might experience guilt, shame, and disgust about our inability to control our eating habits and the foods we eat. When sugar is consumed, it causes a temporary rush of dopamine (hormone), which then is followed by a sugar crash, and in turn leads to more cravings. As mental health declines, another sugar fix is needed, angst and self-disgust sets in, and the vicious cycle continues.3<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Food Addiction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n