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Food addiction is a type of pathological disorder which causes an individual to excessively crave and consume an excessive amount of food. It can affect any age, race, or gender. Surprisingly enough, not everyone who is affected by this disorder is overweight. Others might be underweight-or even normal weight. food addiction treatment is available to those who want to overcome the disorder.

Underweight individuals may suffer from a condition called bulimia. Bulimia is a disorder where the person purges in order to maintain his or her weight. Overweight or obese persons are limited in their everyday movement. They may suffer from embarrassment due to their obesity and appear lethargic on a day to day basis. Those who appear as having a normal, healthy weight may constantly dedicate their every waking hour thinking about food and its calorie content. They may be fixated on their own body image in fear of not being up to par.

Food addiction has both psychological and physiological effects. Many adverse health conditions such as obesity, stroke, gastric abnormalities, diabetes, hypertension, and heart attack may be experienced. Decreased self esteem, negative views towards body images, and a significant impact on ones mental health often occur.

Some of the symptoms associated with the disorder include vomiting after eating a rather large amount of food, consuming food differently than when not in a social event, eating while feeling down and out about his or herself, feeling guilt after eating certain types of foods, and having no control over food cravings.

Recovery is possible with the right treatment. Eighty percent of people recover after completing proper treatment. The first step towards recovering from the addiction is realizing what causes the certain individual to overindulge in food consumption. Traumatic events or conflicts from childhood are common causes of eating disorders.

Other treatment measures include a variety of steps. The person must realize and accept that they have an addiction to food. Understanding and identifying the types of “trigger foods” is a must towards recovery. The person should begin a routine, manageable exercise program. Changing the eating patterns and lifestyle of the individual is another treatment step that should be followed.

Some other tips and techniques can also help. The person should relax throughout certain times of the day and try to rid themselves of unnecessary stress. Deep breathing techniques and meditation can also help. Having something to do that is enjoyable to the individual can help distract them when an urge to eat occurs. In some cases, those who suffer from depression may be given an anti-depressant prescription to help with cravings.

As with any disorder, one should seek the advice and treatment from a qualified nutritionist, doctor, counselor, psychologist, or eating disorder specialist.

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