Food addiction is a behavioral disorder that involves a strong craving for certain types of food and difficulty controlling the amount eaten. It is similar to other types of addiction, where a person’s brain chemistry and reward system become affected.

Certain foods, like those high in sugar, fat, or salt, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a feel-good chemical. This pleasurable sensation can create a cycle of cravings and overeating, even if the person is not physically hungry.

It’s important to understand that food addiction is not simply a lack of willpower. It involves complex interactions between genetics, brain chemistry, and the environment. People with food addiction may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and the inability to stop eating certain foods, even when they know it’s not healthy for them.