Current weight: 277.6 lbs,
Total weight loss: 28.2 lbs.
For the last couple days, my wight has been oscillating in the mid to high 270’s, which is getting a little frustrating (ok I’ll admit it… it’s actually mainly just annoying).
I know that this is normal and that the rate of weight loss can vary during any program. But it can be so hard when the loss isn’t consistent. Especially when my weight is still so high. Shouldn’t it still be melting off at this point?
For me, these weight fluctuations and the daily slow progress can be really hard to deal with. In fact, these things will usually cause me to quit and give up any weight loss effort. This is one of the reasons I try to focus less on the scale in general. But, then I remind myself that 28.2 pounds is a significant amount. And I just keep on going…
Food Addiction?
Over the course of my life, I know that my relationship with food hasn’t been normal. My weight problem isn’t just a question of too many calories in and not enough burned.
I have always felt I had a behavioral issue around food as well.
How else to explain the fact that I always keep eating? Despite being completely full. Or knowing that it would increase my weight. Or understanding that it was bad for my health, my life, my dreams.
Sure, I’ve had cravings like everyone else. But I’ve also had what must be abnormal behaviors, such as:
- Hiding food so people don’t see me eat it.
- Finishing entire boxes of cookies, crackers, or _____ (fill in the blank) in one sitting.
- Stopping for fast food on my way to dinner with friends.
- Lying about what, or when, or how much, I’ve eaten.
- Eating so urgently and quickly that I barely have a memory of it.
- Pretending to be in control. Pretending to be happy. Pretending not to care. Pretending not to hurt. (So much pretending.)
It pains me to admit it, but these behaviors have been with me my whole life. And because of it, I’ve always wondered if it was possible to be addicted to food – or at least to certain types of food. I have never been addicted to any substance in my life, but:
Could I be a food addict??
I decided to research this question, and was surprised to find that there is quite a lot of medical and scientific literature around the topic of food addiction. Although it has been a controversial issue, there does seem to be increased support for this concept. In some people, food addiction could play a role in weight gain and obesity.
In fact, the University of Michigan is studying the link between obesity and substance dependence and the role of addictive behavior in disordered eating. Their Food and Addiction Science and Treatment (FAST) lab explores the similarities between addictive and eating behaviors through multiple approaches. They even have a simulated fast food restaurant to use in some of their investigations!
Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0
In my research, one of the really useful tools I came across was the Yale Food Addiction Scale, which was initially developed in 2009 by Ashley Gearhardt, William Corbin and Kelly Brownell. The test helps identify people who are most likely to show addictive-like eating behaviors. (People like me!!)
A newer version of the test, the Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0, was developed in 2016. This version better reflects the current clinical understanding of addiction.
The questionnaire asks about your eating habits over the past year and includes 35 questions. It deals specifically with foods that people may have a hard time controlling. Their examples include:
- Sweets like ice cream, chocolate, doughnuts, cookies, cake, candy
- Starches like white bread, rolls, pasta, and rice
- Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and crackers
- Fatty foods like steak, bacon, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizza, and French fries
- Sugary drinks like soda pop, lemonade, sports drinks, and energy drinks
(Umm …. Yes to all of the above??)
I would say that most of their examples could be a problem for me. Especially starches with fat – like bread with butter or cheese. Fatty foods for me aren’t a problem unless they are paired with a starch or sweet. I don’t usually crave just a steak or bacon. But pizza and fries? Absolutely.
My Results
Anyway, I just took survey and I won’t keep you in suspense. My results?
Severe Food Addiction.
Wow. The possible results for this survey range from: None, Mild, Moderate, to Severe food addiction.
I can’t say I’m surprised. But it is definitely validating to see that I haven’t been crazy my whole life. That there may be reasons beyond just my ‘lack of control’ that affect my weight. I know this isn’t the whole story, but it must be part of it.
I’m not sure what to do with these results. But there may be additional behavioral solutions that I need to add to my wellness endeavor.
In a separate post, I will record my specific results and more details about how to use the Yale Food Addiction Scale. But for now, I will add this information to my growing knowledge base and hopefully use it to improve my health and wellness.
And look forward to a day of thanks tomorrow!
Day #79:
Current weight: 277.6 lbs
Total weight loss: 28.2 lbs
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