Many people struggle with an inability to resist food without realizing that this behavior may actually be a form of addiction—one that requires attention and treatment due to its impact on both physical and mental health.
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Dr. Jen Unwin, a psychologist who personally battled what she calls “food addiction” for decades, explains that despite her professional success and stable family life, she was unable to resist sweets. A single bite would trigger a binge that ended in nausea, followed by feelings of helplessness and despair.
Dr. Unwin believes that recognizing her unhealthy relationship with food as an addiction was the first step toward gaining control over her eating habits. She eventually recovered and improved her overall health. Now, she is an advocate for the global recognition of food addiction as a real disorder—one that should be treated with the same seriousness as alcohol, nicotine, or drug addiction. In fact, she believes food addiction may be the hardest addiction to overcome.
To help determine whether someone is suffering from a serious food addiction, Dr. Unwin highlights a few key warning signs. She explains that if three or more of the following behaviors are present, it may indicate a problem:
1. Some Foods Feel Irresistible
“When you find yourself constantly thinking about a certain type of food and craving it so strongly that you feel compelled to prepare and eat it daily—like pancakes or waffles with chocolate, or pastries—it’s a sign of addiction,” says Dr. Unwin. This is especially true when the craving is for soft, sweet, sugary foods.
2. Escalating Sweet Consumption
Sugar and sweets are among the most dangerous triggers of food addiction. Dr. Unwin notes: “If you start having a piece of dessert with dinner every night, your tolerance increases. Soon, one piece won’t be enough—you’ll need two or three to feel the same satisfaction.” Often, this behavior isn’t about hunger, but about habit and emotional reward, which makes it a form of addiction needing urgent attention.
3. Prioritizing Food Over Other Activities
A common feature of addiction is prioritizing the substance over other needs. In the case of food addiction, this may mean constantly planning your day around meals, eating large amounts of food throughout the day, and frequently seeking out restaurants or fast-food places to indulge in greasy, high-fat meals—at any time.
4. Lack of Control Over Snacking
Dr. Unwin explains that addiction is evident when you lose control even with small snacks. For instance, when chips or cookies become a must-have every day, and you find yourself consuming more than you intended—often in growing quantities over time—it’s a red flag. The loss of awareness regarding portion size is a key indicator of a deeper issue.
Recognizing these behaviors early can help individuals seek the support and strategies needed to regain control, improve their relationship with food, and protect their overall well-being.
