Fri 05/15 WLL ... Food Addiction: Don't be a victim!

[ScreamingInAPaperCup]

You're way too generalizing in this video and obviously have little to no basic knowledge of the addictive property of foods. You can believe in anything you want. People used to believe the earth was flat. However, believing something doesn't mean it's automatically reality. Food addiction is well researched, well documented and accepted in the scientific community as something that does exist. Not a theory, or a ''opinion''.

[EyeWearMySunglasses]

a food addict could be addicted to fat/sugar(refined carbs)

i got w/d trying to refrain

[Jen01tx]

Ok, so there is no such thing as food addiction... rather an addiction to the act of eating as a way of coping.

[ByeByeBelly]

but food constituent addiction is obviously not as severe as say, addiction to cocaine or heroin. But the simple fact behind that is that foods have a slower effect on the body whereas cocaine has a very fast effect. Anything that is slowly absorbed will be less intense coming down from it, anything quickly absorbed is going to feel more intense... it's simple

[ByeByeBelly]

And yes you can get withdrawals from food, well the constituents of food. Foods contain SO many different chemicals (whether natural or unnatural)... and we can become addicted to them. It's easy to become addicted to foods (typically sugar rich foods, foods full of triglycerides)... because our bodies recognise that we NEED these things, but if we consume them in huge amounts, we become addicted, and we can have withdrawal when we stop eating that food

[ByeByeBelly]

I'm addicted to sugar... whether I directly eat it or if it's broken down from carbs I eat... I ALWAYS WANT CARBS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raven2322]

I think this was a great video. I think people can be addicted more to what the food may do for them. It's not always logical, but I think most things that can be called an addiction are rarely logical. I myself have food issues, but after watching this weeks videos, I don't think I'm addicted to food. I think I'm addicted to the feelings/responses I get from eating my favorite/unhealthy foods. I think if you were to have a chemical addiction to something added to food, it would be different.

[maeberrie33]

each of you handled this tough question very well. All had good points. I have to say at the end of this week I'm still on the fence. But loved hearing everyones opinions.

[someone11421]

Personally, if I lost control and my only option was turnips then I'd binge on them. At a certain point I don't care what I'm eating as long as I'm eating, but since there's usually a varietyto choose from I'll go for the tastiest cause by then the last thing I'm worried about is health. It's the act of eating and the feeling it gives me that I'd say I was addicted to, much like someone addicted to alcohol craves drinking and the feeling it gives them.

[someone11421]

Withdrawel symptoms vary with addiction,since food add. ismore of an emotional issue the effects would be more emotional as opposed to chemical substances which would be more physical.

[halfbakedlaska]

Wow Jason, that was surprisingly condescending...

If someone feels they are a food addict doesn't necessarily mean they have a victim mentality it means that they feel a dependence that is out of control.

The way you framed it is like telling someone who has depression that they are just feeling sorry for themselves and to snap out of it...

[tbossbone]

hmm... sorry about that. It really wasn't meant that way. It was an an opinion based week, and, from watching my videos people may know that when I soudn that way, it's usually more directed inward than outward... suffice it to say I'm rather hard on myself.

But yeah, didn't mean it in a condecending way. Although, being a depressed person, I would agree that it is possible to tell yourself to snap out of depression --- not easy by any means, but completely possible.

Again, sorry :((

[halfbakedlaska]

Boy, you really got people talking didn't you.

No worries Jason, I'm one of your biggest fans... pun intended

[Raven2322]

I didn't think it sounded condecending just your honest opinion. I have depression as well, I understand that it's hard to deal with. I don't think you can't just snap out of certain things, but your still responsible to yourself for working towards changes that you want and not just being a victim to yourself.

[candledamachine]

Food addiction is real; however, that doesn't mean that one is addicted to ALL food is as silly as saying a drug addict is addicted to all drugs- there is ALWAYS a drug of choice, as there is a food of choice. Some people are addicted to fast food, some to junk food, some to sweets, etc.

Much like other addictions, those who have them don't necessarily want them but feel powerless to do anything about them. I think it's probably more of a case of not knowing where to begin to get out. :O)

[Jazmine375]

I dont know for sure..not a dietician/nutritionist, etc..but I really believe that ppl are not addicted to food..they are addicted to the CRAP thats IN their food..there is an emotional component to it too,but the food companies put addictive ingredients in food to make you crave it..FACT.. HFCS, MSG, and many other things. I could be wrong ..could be much more to it..but I would LOVE to have the time to investigate to find out for sure. I do know how I've changed since I cut all that crap out.

[Jazmine375]

I agree with you.. very good points. I just left a long comment on Juan's vid.. and I'm gonna post it here too :O)

[uklili13]

Great topic this week! Being a Psych major myself.. I am also on the fence about this issue. Like you said.. to call yourself a food addict means you are addicted to any kind of food. Which is highly unlikely. But there are chemical processes and psychological dependencies created through food (ex. caffeine withdrawl or carbohydrate withdrawl)... My masters thesis is about binge eating and anger expression. Read wayyy too many articles about emotional regulation and eating behavior.

[michiganlover]

I don't have a food addiction, I am an emotional eater, I overeat from excess stress, or quite typically boredom.

I have to be in tune with what emotions are causing the overeating, so I can stop overeating, and satisfy those emotions with other more healthy behaviors.

I won't call myself a "food addict". That would be giving food to much power in my life, and might lead me to believe I don't have control over what I eat.

[michiganlover]

I like to think I have 100% control over what goes into my body. I have a choice all of the time, I can choose not to continuously repeat negative behaviors.

By saying I am an addict, or by saying I have a disease, I am giving myself an "out" to enable the behavior: "I am powerless to change, I am a food addict, and I suffer from the disease of obesity." That would be a deafest attitude.

Non of us can experience success, if we believe from the start we will fail.

[LINDSTROMTODD]

stop appologizing! its ok to speak your opinion with out saying you are sorry for having it. Hey your face is looking smaller.

[MistYcal1982]

I am only speaking my opinion but I would have to agree with you on this! I am currently 300+ pounds and have been on a new eating plan for about 7 weeks now. I feel that food addiction is a crutch that can be used at times to rationalize why we over eat. There are emotional eaters, definately...There are certain foods that can be addicting...sure... But I agree that food in general is not addicting..And this comes from someone who has been over eating for years and years!

[Sessa79]

Jason, I am glad you posted this video. I do agree when you said that we can not be addicted to food compared to other real addictions. But, I do believe that there are some things in foods that we do become physically addicted to.

[katmobile59]

You obviously don't have a food addiction and it is real! I won't listen to any of your videos again! Don't like you!

[tbossbone]

wow, immature much? Since when is voicing an opinion a bad thing?

[ceramicheart150]

Fast intro O_O

You look nice and SKINNY in this video, next time tackle our newest WS topic and JUMP into the swimming pool, conquer that fear :)

[120togo]

Really 2thousandand9 you break out in a sweat if you can't eat carbs?? Crazy! :P

[2ThousandAnd9]

120togo, I don't break out in a sweat, but when I came off of carbs I had killer headaches and shakiness which are both symptoms of withdrawal. Many people react to removal of an addictive food differently including breaking out in a sweat. BTW is breaking out in a sweat the only symptom of withdrawal?

[tbossbone]

symptoms of withdral are case specific...

Hey Steven --- those google articles you found, did they reference a study? If so, I'd love to see it.

[2ThousandAnd9]

I believe at least one of them did, give me a few moments to find it and I'll send it to you via pm. Take care.

[HealthIsInPlease]

Dang, the intro is sped up!

lol

[OvercomeBingeEating]

I think that its not necessarily food that is the addiction... but the emotions or absence of emotions that comes as a result of eating the food.

[120togo]

That's so true. It's not like you are going to have withdraws from your favorite food. Like breaking out in a sweat or something like that.

[2ThousandAnd9]

Actually many people do, do a google search on carb withdrawals and see what people have to say.

[weightloss30]

I think it is the "taste" we are addicted to.

We just like how it tastes.

Com'on Jason...how addicted are we to any of the dietetic food!

[2ThousandAnd9]

Actually a food addict will gladly eat dietetic food as well. It satisfies the desperation for food.

[weightloss30]

OMG Steve, so you knew it...about me i mean (for God's sake...I have tens of fat free cheese canns...because it is dietetic..isn't it?)

lol

[2ThousandAnd9]

Well if it's fat free or sugar free you can eat as much as ya want amirite? lol!

[michiganlover]

"diet" food has a greater possibility of being heavily processed, and as such being stocked full of chemicals that don't exist in it's full fat, full calorie counterpart.

Since certain chemicals can certainly be addicting, so called "diet" foods might have even more addictive qualities than their regular counterparts.

[2ThousandAnd9]

I agree, I was simply joking.

[dieselmota]

Yes, it is an issue of semantics! Thinking about it, yeah, I know what what everyone means when they say "food addiction." Addiction in that sense is a lay person's definition for compulsive behavior and obsessive thoughts regarding food. Does addiction, as defined by the medical and psychological community, apply to food?

[dieselmota]

Sure, there are some shared qualities mentioned by many who hold the opinion that one can be addicted to food. I get it! But I challenge you to provide me with an ICD-9 or DSM IV-TR code for food addiction. There isn't one.

[dieselmota]

Same applies to sex addiction, shopping addiction, internet addiction. Compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts, yes. Addiction, no.

Although this is my opinion, it is my opinion which I have formulated, in no small part, through life experiences as a person who does indeed struggle with "food addiction" and other "addictions" NOS. Also, my opinion is based on the study I have done in 8 years of university to get my pieces of paper stamped with BA psych and BS Nursing. :P

[applelove33]

thank you :P

[2ThousandAnd9]

I understand that through your many years of research that you have found no scientific coding for these addictions.

Has science always been ahead of mental disorders? I say no.

Homosexuality was once thought a mental disorder, is that so today?

I think that you are giving tooo much credit to the findings of old thinkers and not enough to the new ones.

I appreciate your much educated opinion, but I still say that human behavior dictates diagnoses, not what doctors think.

[dieselmota]

The topic of food addiction (and sex, internet, gambling, etc) is also being debated in the medical and psychological communities today. Whether or not something is defined as an addiction, doesn't much matter, so long as the people who struggle with *something* get the help they need to recover. Hopefully, whatever words we choose to define this *something,* whatever research models, theories, treatments are used, that the end result is physical and psychological health for all people.

[2ThousandAnd9]

You are correct, but without the correct diagnosis insurance will not pay for treatment that is much needed.

You are right in the end proper treatment to those in need is what is most important. Have a wonderful weekend!

[dieselmota]

Yikes we posted at the same time! I agree.

If anyone is listening and feels so inclined. Please pray for me and my family as my mother has passed away very suddenly.

[dieselmota]

Word limit, arg! Point well taken. I had thought of that, too. Anyway, codes are for billing purposes anyway... I truly don't care what terms are used. People are hurting. Something significant is going on in many people's lives. Whatever words are used, the condition needs recognition and I believe people need help, we need each other, too. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I support you.

[2ThousandAnd9]

You didn't offend me, I'm actually happy to hear someone in the field feels the way that you do.

I will keep you in my prayers, I am sorry for your loss. Take care and if there's anything I can do for you please message me and let me know.

[sushicatny]

thats like saying sex addiction isnt real because a sex addict won't fuck everyone, and they won't get withdrawls if they don't have sex, I disagree with you 100%, I'm glad most of the wll have not expierenced food addiction because once you have expierenced it you know 100% it is real, yes it can be over come but it is real!!!!

[Imskinnyinside]

I believe I am addicted to the feeling I get when I eat food. I am addicted to the experience that goes on in my mouth. Only certain foods would do this for me. Those are the foods I crave. When I crave them, it's all I can think about.

[MissJanieHere]

I hear you, i just dont agree with you... and I definitely don't feel like a victim but someone who is learning to cope and overcome.. still, very interesting video.

[anewlifenow]

I can understand your rationale.. i just don't agree.

[2ThousandAnd9]

Carb withdrawals are just as nasty as caffeine withdrawals.

Food addiction is real, and I hate to dispute your opinion.

Have you ever found yourself eating something when you're not hungry? That's a symptom of addiction.

There is a cure... surgery and/or therapy.

This idea of non-food addiction is one that only hurts and not helps those that are obese in our country.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

[MissJanieHere]

Steve, people's are opinions are just that. an opinion. it holds no power over you except what you give it. You know what is truth for you and you know what your experience is. Just keep what your goals are in focus and keep on truckin..

[tbossbone]

Steven, I hope you understand this is my opinion, like I said in the video like 15x's.

I have to say it simply put because there are no studies that I can find that say there either ARE or ARE not food addictions.

And, yes, I have eaten when I'm not hungry... I consider it boredom eating --- or , emotional eating, because I'm addicted to the feeling food gives me, not the actual item food....

Like I said, it's a semantics issue... :P

[2ThousandAnd9]

I think the same can be said for alcohol, no one is addicted to the taste of alcohol but rather the feeling it gives you amirite?

As I said I hate to dispute your opinion but I have to say that food addiction does exsist, google "studies proving food addiction"

You will find several studies prove that it exsists and there are even rehab programs for it.

Anyway, these are just my opinions as well.

Take care Jason have a wonderful weekend!

[MissJanieHere]

hey, i came back here because someone mentioned this comment to me.. I hope you dont think that I was dissing or ignoring that you were stating your opinion?

i totally get that... plus in the end, what does it matter what we call it? a problem is a problem no matter what name we give it.

you've done a great job and i think you are going to do amazing things in the future. good luck on your vacation, have fun cuz life is very short and before you know it, its passed you by.

hugs

[Polyphosphat]

I'm a little surprised that no one really seems to believe food addictions exist. Guess I never really questioned it though. The Binge eating disorder is called "Ess-Sucht" in German (literally food addiction) therefore I never really doubted foods addictive nature. And whether you turn to alcohol or food as a fix doesn't make a difference for me; you're still dependent on it and can't cope without, even though you'll find physical withdrawal symptoms only in alcoholism I guess.

[Polyphosphat]

Well so much for my unqualified lay opinion...

Oh and...you look very cute in that shirt by the way!! =)

[antishay]

LMAO "Did I mention I'm scared of drowning?"

SPEEDY INTRO WTF

You look very muscle-y and trim in this video ^__^ Nice haircut.

I think this is a great sum-up for the end of the week <33

[rpgjko]

Wow, you look great Jason. I can tell someone is losing weight ;)

[starloz5]

great video jason.

this week has been great, very helpful..