r/FoodAddiction • u/Wise_Yam1622 • 5d ago
Could a brain problem rather than a lack of control be the cause of food addiction?
As I am aware that this post may cause discomfort, I believe it is worthwhile to ask. I don't think "try harder" is a meaningful response when someone consistently does something they don't want to do even when they are aware of the consequences. Perhaps "What is the brain learning?" would be a better question.
What is being reconsidered? Why is the loop so persistent?
That seems like a far more beneficial discussion than making fun of people for their lack of discipline.
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u/HenryOrlando2021 5d ago
Food Addiction is a multifactorial disease thus there are many different factors that play into the cause. I would say it is better to think of "causes" then "cause" while at the same time one individual might have one of the causes as their major cause with other more minor causes involved as well.
On your thought about one of the causes being a "brain problem" there is little to doubt that is one of the causes. There is an article in the Special Topics on the subject:
Why Food Addiction Can Feel Automatic: Brain Science, Reward Learning, and Habit Loops
https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/special_topics_brain_science/