Food Addiction and Disorder: Challenges and Concerns

Food addiction refers to compulsive overeating, where a person engages in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating. Food disorders are associated with persistent behaviors of eating which affect the individual’s health, their emotions and capability to function in their life. Binge eating is a food disorder characterized by a loss of control over eating. It is one of the most common chronic illnesses among adolescents. Individuals suffering from this disorder eat unusually large amount of food in relatively short periods of time. Some common symptoms of binge eating are feelings of distress, such as shame, disgust, or guilt. Purging behaviors, such as calorie restriction, vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative or diuretic use are some other symptoms. There are several medical complications associated with binge eating disorders, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, severe dehydration and constipation. It can be treated with the help of nutritional assistance and medication. This book explores the challenges and concerns of food addiction and disorders. Researchers and students in this field will be assisted by it.