“What nonsense is this? We’re all dependent on food since we can’t survive without it!” – I’ve encountered this reaction more than once when talking about my field of interest.
And indeed, it’s a valid point. The term itself is currently undergoing some changes in scientific circles because “food addiction” can be misleading. After all, it’s rarely about someone becoming addicted to all food in general.

So, let’s take a closer look at what we actually mean when we talk about food addiction.

Starting with the basics: What can we truly call food?

In everyday language, we use countless terms: sustenance, grub, chow, nutrition, fuel, nourishment, provisions…
Beyond these various names, it’s important to recognize how much more our modern culture associates with food, what we expect from it, and how we use it in daily life. Its core functions of providing nourishment and energy have expanded far beyond that, encompassing roles such as comfort, stress relief, reward, boredom alleviation, gift-giving, soothing, delight, aesthetic pleasure, and so on. These added layers have accumulated over time, much like the layers of a cake.
As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for many of us to view food solely for what it’s meant to do: nourish us, provide energy in the right quality and quantity, and support our bodies to function at an optimal level.

In our modern culture, food and eating are increasingly associated with terms like “withdrawal symptoms,” “sugar addiction,” “quitting,” “overconsumption,” “excessiveness,” and “cravings.” While these terms are naturally used in the context of other addictions, we often fail to recognize that similar phenomena are at play when it comes to food.

What does addiction mean?

Dr. Gabor Maté, one of the most respected psychiatrists specializing in addiction, states that the primary purpose of the “substance,” whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or something else, is pain relief. In painful or anxiety-inducing situations, we often seek quick and immediate relief, looking for whatever can provide it. This creates cravings, followed by actions—in the case of a food addict, consuming the desired food. This provides temporary joy, satisfaction, or relief but is soon followed by guilt, bitterness, and disappointment (e.g., “I shouldn’t have done it; I know it’s bad for me”).
Over time, even as the negative consequences become more apparent, food remains the solution to the growing internal tension. This vicious cycle is the hallmark of addiction.

When we talk about food addiction, we’re not referring to food in general—I’ll cover this in more detail in a future post. I’ll also delve into alternative terms researchers have proposed for this phenomenon. If you’re interested, stay tuned for the upcoming articles on this blog.