Updated: January 20, 2019
Originally Published: January 29, 2018
Hello, I’m Lisa Morgan, and I am grappling with a food addiction. Yes, you read that right—addiction. This is not a lighthearted comment; the reality of food addiction is serious and more widespread than many might think.
Every morning, I wake up determined that today will be different. I promise myself I won’t binge, won’t indulge in sugary treats, and won’t eat to cope with my emotions. Today, I will choose whole grains and fresh fruit! I’ll fill my plate with greens, superfoods, and lean proteins. I feel unstoppable, like I can conquer the world.
But by 10:30 a.m., that feeling fades quickly. I find myself feeling irritable, and a handful of cashews becomes my quick fix as I rush through my errands. By lunchtime, my resolve is already weakening. A stressful phone call—a forgotten pediatrician appointment or a preschool incident—can send me spiraling. In an instant, I’m at Starbucks, ordering a sugary drink and a muffin. Just one little stressor, and I’m so off track that I need a taxi to get back on.
This snapshot of my daily struggle is just a glimpse into my 15-year battle with food addiction. My compulsion rears its head during stressful times—when my marriage faces difficulties, during the holiday rush, or late nights spent working on deadlines.
You might not believe I struggle with food addiction if you met me. My outward appearance is that of an average American woman. I’m overweight but not obese, and I exercise regularly. However, addiction is defined not by the quantity but by the relationship one has with food. My cravings can consume my thoughts until I finally give in. When I indulge in my favorite foods, all my stress fades away, and I feel euphoric. But the high is fleeting, and soon self-loathing replaces it.
Does this resonate with you? You’re not alone. A recent Yale study revealed that around 5% of Americans are grappling with food addiction, with an additional 20% on the verge of it. This is a significant figure, one that highlights the widespread nature of this struggle.
Historically, humans have evolved to seek out calorie-dense foods. Our ancestors had to maximize their food intake when they found it. Today, however, we live in a world where fast food is ubiquitous, and the easy availability of high-calorie options can lead to major health issues. Eating is enjoyable, and it’s easy to get trapped in this cycle.
Yet, food addiction remains stigmatized. Many dismiss it, believing that food is not a true addiction and that those suffering should simply exercise willpower. Comments like “just join a weight loss program” or “stop being lazy” are not only unsympathetic but also fundamentally misguided.
In a revealing piece in the New York Times, journalist Michael Moss highlighted a troubling truth: food manufacturers consciously design products to be addictive. This manipulation of our cravings has serious consequences for our health. Food addiction can lead to a host of medical issues, including obesity and heart disease, making it one of the most dangerous emerging health concerns today.
It’s time we take food addiction seriously. Bullying or shaming those struggling will not help. As someone who is affected, I urge you to consider the implications of this issue seriously.
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In summary, food addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects many. Acknowledging its reality is the first step toward addressing the issue and finding healthier coping mechanisms.