7 Common beliefs about food addiction

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1. Myth: Food addiction is just a lack of willpower.

Reality: Food addiction involves complex neurobiological processes in the brain’s reward system, making it more than a matter of willpower alone.

2. Myth: Food addiction is only about overeating.

Reality: Food addiction isn’t solely about quantity; it’s characterized by compulsive behaviors around certain foods, even in small amounts.

3. Myth: People with food addiction are just lazy or unmotivated.

Reality: Food addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, and it’s not a reflection of laziness or motivation.

4. Myth: Food addiction is the same as emotional eating.

Reality: While both involve food and emotions, emotional eating is often triggered by specific emotions, while food addiction includes the inability to control consumption irrespective of emotions.

5. Myth: You can only be addicted to unhealthy foods.

Reality: Food addiction can involve both unhealthy and healthy foods. It’s the addictive relationship and loss of control that define it.

6. Myth: Recovery from food addiction means cutting out all trigger foods.

Reality: Total avoidance of certain foods may not be realistic. Recovery involves learning to manage trigger foods and building healthier eating habits.

7. Myth: Food addiction is not as serious as substance addiction.

Reality: Food addiction can lead to serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Its impact on physical and mental health is substantial.