Weight Loss Winformation Episode 78: Food Addiction — Is This You?
Addiction professionals say some very wise things. For instance, Dr. Vera Tarman, author of Food Junkies (I recommend reading the 2nd edition as she talks about bariatric surgery in this version) says, “From food addiction to food serenity – freedom tastes great!” Tennie McCarty, author of Shades of Hope says, “If you can’t take it or leave it, you’re probably addicted to it.” Dr. Gabor Mate, one of my favorite addiction specialists says, “There is one addiction process… whether it is manifested in the lethal substance dependencies; the frantic self-soothing of overeaters or shopaholics; the obsessions of gamblers, sexaholics, and compulsive internet users; or the socially acceptable and even admired behaviors of the workaholic.” I say, if food or your weight is causing problems in your life, then it’s a problem. Call it whatever you want, but if you know there’s a problem and can’t stop eating foods that make the problems worse, you’re likely dealing with addiction. That’s why I wrote Weight Loss Surgery Does NOT Treat Food Addiction. Listen to today’s episode and see if your relationship with food may suggest an addiction to food.
Also, please invite anyone you know who has had bariatric surgery, or who is planning to have bariatric surgery, to listen to the BariAftercare podcast. And for more information on the entire BariAftercare program at www.bariaftercare.com.