Food Addiction vs Binge Eating Disorder
In today's society, the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors is a growing concern. This type of struggle presents an exceptionally difficult challenge as, unlike with addictions involving illicit substances, food cannot be completely cut out of a person’s life as part of a “recovery” plan. Everyone needs food to live.
That being said, disordered eating creates significant health risks. Food addiction is real, with binge eating disorder being among the most common eating disorders. These conditions are also the two that seem to carry the most confusion in terms of being mistaken for each other.
While they share some similarities, it is important to understand that each has its own characteristics, signs, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
What Is An Eating Disorder?
According to NEDA, eating disorders are a prevalent mental health issue in the United States, affecting nearly 30 million Americans. These disorders manifest as behavioral abnormalities, often characterized by disturbed eating patterns that deviate from societal norms.
The most well-known eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, where individuals restrict their food intake, and bulimia, which involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging. It is important to note that eating disorders are frequently intertwined with other mental health problems, serving as both a response to and a co-occurrence of these issues.
In addition, individuals struggling with eating disorders often experience symptoms of depression, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem. These disorders are strongly linked to the pervasive influence of dieting and diet culture within our society.
How Food Addiction Acts Just Like Drug Addiction
One of the key aspects of food addiction is its similarity to drug addiction. Research has shown that highly palatable foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt, can trigger the brain's reward and pleasure centers in a manner similar to addictive substances like drugs or alcohol.
When we consume these "hyperpalatable" foods, they stimulate the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, leading to cravings and a desire for more.
Just like with drug addiction, food addiction involves a chemical dependency on certain foods. Individuals who are food addicted may experience a loss of control over their eating behavior, despite negative consequences. They may crave specific foods, even when not physically hungry, and find it difficult to stop eating them.
This chemical dependency on food can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being.
Cravings: A Common Thread
Both food addiction and binge eating disorder involve intense cravings for certain foods. These cravings can be overwhelming and difficult to resist.
In food addiction, individuals may have a persistent desire for highly palatable foods, often referred to as "trigger foods." A study at Yale found that these foods can trigger a dopamine response in the brain, leading to a cycle of cravings and overeating.
Similarly, anyone struggling with a binge eating disorder experiences recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating, characterized by consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. During these episodes, they may feel a loss of control and a strong urge to continue eating, even when physically full.
Cravings and an inability to control the intake of food are central features of both food addiction and binge eating disorder.
Reward Responses: The Brain's Role in Food Addiction and Binge Eating Disorder
Brain imaging studies have provided valuable insights into the reward responses associated with food addiction and binge eating disorder.
In individuals with food addiction, the consumption of highly palatable foods activates brain areas associated with craving and motivation. At the same time, their brains show reduced activity in the region involved in self-control.
Similarly, individuals with binge eating disorder exhibit heightened activation in reward-related brain areas when exposed to food cues. These cues, such as images of appetizing foods, trigger intense cravings and increase the likelihood of engaging in binge eating episodes.
The reward circuit in the brain plays a significant role in both conditions, often overriding feelings of fullness and/or satisfaction, which makes food intake regulation difficult.
Behavioral Changes: Identifying Food Addiction and Binge Eating Disorder
Behavioral changes can provide important clues when identifying food addiction and binge eating disorder. In both conditions, individuals may exhibit similar patterns of behavior, such as overeating or consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time.
Additional behaviors you might observe in your self or others who struggle with an eating disorder include:
- Compulsivity
- Sluggishness
- Fatigue
- Going out of your way to get food
- Eating until you feel sick
- Disengaging with family, friends, work or hobbies due to eating or the effects of overeating
However, there are also some distinct differences worth noting.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, typically accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and distress. These episodes occur at least once a week for a period of three months or longer.
Individuals with binge eating disorder often eat rapidly, even when not physically hungry, and continue eating until they are uncomfortably full. They may also eat in secret and feel a loss of control during these episodes.
Food Addiction
Food addiction, on the other hand, involves a chemical dependency on specific foods or food in general. Those struggling with food addiction may experience cravings and engage in compulsive eating–even when not physically hungry.
They may find it challenging to stop eating certain foods, despite negative consequences. While similar mental illness symptoms may be detected in someone experiencing a food addiction, this is not always the case. Food addiction is often characterized by a persistent desire for trigger foods and a lack of control over eating behavior.
Treating the Root Causes: Addressing Food Addiction and Binge Eating Disorder
Treating food addiction and binge eating disorder requires addressing the underlying causes and providing comprehensive support. While they may share similarities in terms of behavioral patterns, it is essential to recognize the distinctions between the two and tailor treatment accordingly.
Food Addiction Treatment
In treating food addiction, it is crucial to focus on addressing the biochemical dependency on certain foods. This may involve a combination of medical interventions, support group therapy, and psychotherapy (such as CBT and DBT).
Medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage cravings and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Psychotherapy can help individuals explore the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and build a healthier relationship with food.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Treating binge eating disorder often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining psychological interventions, nutritional counseling, and support groups.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such approach commonly used to address the emotional and behavioral aspects of binge eating. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs surrounding food, establish regular eating patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
The addition of nutritional counseling can provide guidance on balanced eating and help individuals establish a positive relationship with food.
Get Help with Food Addiction at Sequoia
If you or someone you know is struggling with food addiction or binge eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. At Sequoia, we offer comprehensive treatment programs tailored to address these specific conditions.
Our team of experts understands the complexities of food addiction and binge eating disorder and is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care. Contact us today, and together we can work towards recovery and a healthier relationship with food.