Battling Food Addiction And Weight Control Issues
Millions of Americans are fighting a losing battle with their weight. Now more than ever, we are seeing a sharp increase in the number of people in this country who are overweight by more than twenty pounds. While some weight issues are certainly caused by genetic issues, recent studies have shown that there may be another, deadlier underlying cause to this growing trend - food addiction.
Just like addictions to illicit drugs, a food addiction can be deadly. Often those afflicted with an addiction to food do not realize that this is their problem until it is too late. We see it all the time on the talk shows in this country - people who have literally eaten themselves to death. But for those who are still alive and battling this deadly addiction, there is still hope.
Treatment Options
While the underlying cause of food addiction is psychological, there are medical, physical treatments available for the symptoms of food addiction. The most obvious symptom is, of course, obesity. The most common treatment today is a type of surgery which prevents you from being able to eat as much as you'd like. There are several different forms of this surgery, but each of them has been considered a lifesaver for many unable to control their food addiction.
Psychological treatment is also recommended for those who are trying to overcome a food addiction. Intense counseling sessions are designed to help them break their psychological need for food, and to help them instead recognize when their need for food is due to the fact that their bodies need sustenance. Usually, those who suffer from food addiction are unable to distinguish their cravings from actual hunger, and so they end up constantly eating.
As with any other addiction, a food addiction can also be treated through the use of anti-depressants. Because of the fact that many addictions are caused by underlying psychological factors, such as depression and chemical imbalances, these drugs have been shown to be highly effective in helping to break the addictive cycle.
Food addiction is a very real, and very disturbing, affliction that affects millions of people all around the world. The health implications of this deadly addiction are just as frightening as those of heroin addictions. Diabetes, heart attack, stroke - all very real side effects of food addiction, and all very damaging to the human body.
If you think you may be suffering from a food addiction, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will be able to offer you suggestions so as to treat your addiction.
