Food addiction is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it usually involves binge-eating behaviors, cravings, and a loss of control over food.

There are eight symptoms that can be seen in people who have a tendency to overeat or get a craving. There are eight common signs and symptoms that indicate food addiction.

1. Getting cravings despite feeling full

Even after a nutritious and satisfying meal, it's common to feel hungry. Some people crave ice cream for dessert after eating steak, potatoes, and vegetables.

Cravings are not the same as hunger. When you feel the urge to eat despite already eating or being full, this is called a craving. It's not uncommon for people to have food cravings. Most people get cravings.

If cravings are frequent and difficult to satisfy or ignore, it may indicate something else. The brain is not craving energy or nutrients, but something that releases dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that helps humans experience pleasure.

2. Eat more than you intended.

Some people can't eat just one bite of chocolate or a single slice of cake. One bite of chocolate can turn into 20 and one piece of cake into half a slice.

Addictions of all kinds are prone to this "all or nothing" approach. Moderation is not an option. It's almost the same as telling someone who is an alcoholic to drink beer moderately. It's not possible.

3. Eat until you feel excessively stuffed.

One with a food addiction might struggle to curb their craving once they succumb. The person may then discover that they are stuffed to the gills.

4. Doing it again and feeling guilty afterwards

Feelings of guilt can result from trying to control the consumption of unhealthy food and then giving into a craving.

Some people may even feel they are cheating themselves or doing something wrong. A person who is addicted to food will continue the cycle despite these feelings.

5. Excuses

Addiction is a tricky thing to deal with. When someone decides to avoid trigger foods, they may create their own rules. These rules can be difficult to follow. Someone with an addiction to food might rationalize around rules to satisfy the craving.

This way of thinking is similar to that of someone who's trying to stop smoking. This person may think that they are not a smoker if they do not buy their own pack of cigarettes. They might still smoke a pack of cigarettes that a friend has.

6. Failure to set rules repeatedly

When people struggle with self-control, they tend to try to set themselves rules.

Some examples include sleeping only on weekends, doing your homework immediately after school, and never drinking coffee past a certain hour in the afternoon. These rules are almost never followed by most people. This includes rules about eating.

You can eat junk food only on birthdays, holidays, parties, and special occasions.

7. Hide food from others.

People who have a long history of setting rules and failing repeatedly often hide their junk food consumption from others.

Some people prefer to eat by themselves, in their car, or alone at home.

8. Unable to quit despite physical problems

Your health can be affected by the foods you eat. Short-term junk food can cause weight gain, acne (bad breath), fatigue, poor dental care, and other problems.

Junk food can cause obesity, diabetes type 2, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and dementia.

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Anyone who is experiencing any of these issues due to eating unhealthy food but cannot change their habits likely needs assistance. For eating disorders, a treatment plan designed by professionals is usually recommended.

The bottom line

The DSM-5 guide is used by mental health professionals to diagnose disorders.

Many of the symptoms listed above are part of the criteria for substance dependency. These symptoms fit into the medical definitions of addiction. The DSM-5 does not have criteria for food addiction.

Food addiction can be diagnosed if you've tried to cut down on junk food or quit eating it but haven't been able to.