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Is Food Addiction a Real Diagnosis?

October 1, 2019

Dr. Srikanth Reddy

#Best Psychiatrist in Indore

#Best Psychologist and De-Addiction Specialist in Indore

What Is Food Addiction?

Food addiction is not presently recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and there is no agreement among experts on whether it should be included in future editions. That is, a doctor can’t make an official diagnosis of food addiction.

The health problems reasons by obesity are well recognized and great efforts are being made to educate the community on the need for a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, whether the addictive nature of eating will be embraced by the medical profession remains more elusive.

Food addiction is only an addiction if it is problematic or harmful in some way. It is not a label that can plainly be applied to anyone who enjoys or eats a lot of food, or who binges occasionally.

However, the DSM does make provision for the diagnosis of out-of-control eating -considered the hallmark of food addiction by those who subscribe to the idea – under the category of eating disorder NOS, “binge eating disorder.” Binge eating disorder has been proposed as a new stand-alone disorder in the fifth edition of the DSM.

While “food addiction” is not officially recognized, there are several treatments that help, and there is a wealth of commercial organizations and self-help resources that provide help with getting control over your eating .However, the so-called “diet industry” has been criticized for exploiting people who are victims of social and cultural pressures to be thin, and even for making the problem worse.

Eating disorders programs vary in whether they treat over-eating, as most are geared towards helping people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Different approaches may be taken to treatment, and some eating disorders program follows the Stages of Change model, which is widely used in addictions treatment. However, if you believe you have a problem with over-eating; your doctor and mainstream psychological services will be capable to offer a lot of help and support in overcoming your problem.

While “food addiction” is not an official diagnosis, the problems associated with over-eating are well recognized in the medical and psychiatric community. If you are worried that over-eating is disrupting your life, you can and should seek out professional help.

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