There are basically four types of eating disorders, but not all are classified as food addictions. Anorexia and bulimia are defined as disorders, whereas compulsive overeating and binge eating are typically classified as food addictions. But, what exactly is the basis for food addiction? Is there a substance in a particular food that chemically addicts people to it, causing them to eat uncontrollably? Well, many proponents of the addiction brain disease model would have you believe exactly that! Hypothetically speaking, the impaired function of dopamine a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure and reward is thought to be directly related to food addiction. And, this so-called impaired function could make some people more vulnerable to compulsive overeating. Furthermore, they suggest that some foods cause more brain reward than others. Consequently, they are more addictive! In other words, high fat, high sugar foods such as doughnuts are more addictive than soup! In reality, there are many innocuous substances and activities that have an effect on the brain such as sugars, amino acids, and even exercise. However, that doesn't mean they are the root cause of food addiction! Although there is no official definition of food addiction, Many would describe it in much the same way as other substance dependence: "Eating too much despite consequences, even dire consequences to health; being preoccupied with food, food preparation and meals; trying and failing to cut back on food intake; feeling guilty about binging and overeating."

Now, if you haven't already guessed at this point, I vehemently disagree with the above-mentioned nonsensical hypothesis!!!! In my opinion, there is no such thing as a food addiction! This conjecture is nothing more than an opportunity for the pharmacological community to manufacture a new magic bullet for something that doesn't exist, and is absolute absurdity at its finest! As with every addiction and compulsion, food addiction is a diversion from emotional distress. So in that sense, there really is something to be said for the phrase "comfort food!" As an addiction recovery coach who has traveled across the U.S. helping hundreds of people overcome addiction, I have uncovered the root cause of eating disorders and food addictions. You see, there's a common denominator at the root of these afflictions, and it's called low self-esteem! Time and time again, these self -esteem issues are founded in the emotional distress caused by none other than family dysfunction. The debilitating effects of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, or control and inadequate parenting literally pulverize ones self-esteem. Therefore, the key to overcoming a food addiction is to liberate oneself from dysfunctional behavior and restore self-esteem.

Both Binge Eaters and Compulsive Overeaters tend to be overweight, although the characteristics of compulsive overeating differ from binge eating. Compulsive Overeaters may overeat in one sitting, but many of them eat all day long. Most Compulsive Overeaters find dieting unsuccessful since their emotional distress precludes them from adhering to a weight loss plan. Their eating patterns are directly connected with their emotions. In essence, eating is used to comfort and divert the Compulsive Eater's attention from their emotional pain. Compulsive Overeaters and Binges Eaters often hide behind their physical appearance, using their weight gain as a shield against society. In their mind, this extra layer of padding protects their fragile self-esteem and also discourages others from socially interacting with them. They feel inadequacy, shame for being overweight, and generally have a very low self-esteem.

One of the more common mainstream approaches for compulsive overeating is Overeaters Anonymous, which has adopted the 12-step philosophy of alcoholics anonymous. The goal of the program is a spiritual transformation, but ironically, the program tends to focus on defects of character, personal short comings, and admissions of powerlessness. This approach leads to self-incrimination, and it actually prevents a spiritual connection. A Compulsive Overeaters level of self-esteem is usually at the bottom so, why teach them self-incrimination and self-pity? I believe that admitting you are powerless does not promote empowerment nor does it restore self-esteem! In my opinion, many of the twelve steps are unnecessary and counterproductive to addiction recovery. In fact, most participants get stuck in their emotional wounds and contract what I like to call wounditis (victimization.) Combine this with the disempowerment of labeling someone as a Food Addict or Compulsive Overeater and you have a recipe for a self-esteem disaster.



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Orthorexia: anorexia in disguise? Living in Boulder, Colorado, one gets used to the myriad of food restrictions people impose on themselves in the name of good health. Those with allergies (assumed or diagnosed), food sensitivities or other health, environmental or political concerns around consumption flourish in this small bubble on earth that many describe as 25 square miles surrounded by reality. However, some have stated that there is a deadly trend emerging called orthorexia where people take the concept of healthy eating much too far. Is this trend really a new illness or is it merely anorexia in disguise?

Orthorexia is a term coined by a Colorado MD, Steven Bratman. He describes those with orthorexia as overly concerned or obsessed with "correct" or "righteous" eating. This can include a fixation on eliminating fats, processed sugar, and additives from the diet. The supposed goal of an orthorexic is to feel pure, not to lose weight. Though Bratman states that anorexia and orthorexia are two very different illnesses, there comes a point where one must ask if this new term is just a mask for an underlying case of anorexia.

There are many people in the world who eat what most would consider a pure diet. For example, there are people who eat only organic, raw, whole foods. Simply put, one can eat as pure a diet as one wants without suffering extreme, life threatening weight loss. Both anorexics and orthorexics become afraid to eat certain foods. The fact that orthorexics become phobic of what many in the health food industry deem "bad" or "unhealthy" doesn't take away from the fact that it becomes an irrational thinking pattern that ultimately harms the individual. Nearly anyone in a state of starvation would opt to eat something, even if it were in not their top choice of foods. In fact, in severe states of starvation, many would resort to even eating unappetizing foods in order to stay alive. For example, my mother ate raw eggs during the war to stay alive. Those with orthorexia become so rigid in their food intake, that many have often starved themselves rather than bend their own self imposed rules around food. This screams of classic anorexic behavior. However, not to discount the very subtle differences in the two illnesses, it should be recognized that orthorexics really do see themselves as doing something healthy, despite the harmful consequences.

In some cases, an anorexic will go to great lengths to lose weight and practice what everyone widely accepts as truly unhealthy behavior including, over exercising, taking drugs and severely restricting food intake. Those with orthorexia, on the other hand, may find drugs too impure to consume. Their true goal is not specifically weight loss. It is, rather, to become pure. In many cases, this pureness in eating becomes what the orthorexic sees as a path to spiritual enlightenment. This being said, the fact that orthorexics sacrifice their own health leads one to believe that it is more of an offshoot of anorexia rather than an actual completely new illness. Orthorexia can be seen as similar to any other eating disorder in that it interferes with a person's lifestyle and overall health, affecting normal functioning and general wellbeing. In severe cases, the extreme dietary restrictions of orthorexia can even lead to death as documented on the website, Beyond Vegetarianism. On the website, an in depth description of Kate Finn's life and tragic death due to orthorexia is presented.

Though some claim there is a very real distinction between anorexia and orthorexia, there is no question that the two are both deadly eating disorders. Whether or not there is enough of a distinction between orthorexia and anorexia to classify orthorexia as a new illness, is debatable. The bottom line is that orthorexia, just like anorexia, can lead to extreme emaciation, health problems and even death. The focus should be more on recovery from the illness not on the label itself. It is no secret that anorexics can be manipulative, controlling and irrational. The concern with adding a new term to what most consider an offshoot of anorexia, is that anorexics will use it in order to stay in a state of denial or in order to try to avoid getting the help they need. Anytime a person becomes irrationally afraid to eat, it should be recognized that this is a symptom of anorexia. There are beautiful examples of people all over the world who truly dedicate themselves to eating the healthiest diet imaginable who are not in a state of starvation. To imply that a focus on eating healthy is an illness is backward thinking. It should be recognized that any extreme restriction in food intake to the point of harming health and wellbeing is and should be classified as anorexia.


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You can stop being consistently inconsistent with doing what it takes to live healthily with no self employed health risks.

One thing people with eating disorder must know is that there are very many people All over the world, millions of people are going through the same issues as they are. Whether you call it binge eating, compulsive overeating, or a scientific term such as "eating disorder" it all boils down to the same thing: an emotional dependency on food.

The truth is that it's entirely possible to get control over your eating habits. Many have done it through the secret of many products, and so can you. All you needs is the willingness to change your mindset and knowing which steps you need to take to turn this wish into a reality.

Why do they make it seem that people who are fat with eating disorder are not happy? Happiness is for us all. The only reason why any of us should want to lose weight is if there are health related risk/hazards or one want to get smarter and dump continuous fatigue.

If your pursuit of a petite body is in imitation of others without a personal will, pause! Remember "imitation is limitation" It is only when you truly want to get over with it by a satisfied personal decision will you succeed to cut that weight down. And if you have come to that point, then can we say that speedy help has come.

One point must be noted here. You must decide to be happy with your self right now. Happiness has a lot to do. You don't have to be slim to become happy. When you are happy with your self the way you are, you will find strength to accomplish the easy steps programs teaches successfully and speedily without having to spend more time on it than necessary to achieve the desirable result.



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