
In those with food addiction, the same reward and pleasure centers of the brain that are triggered by addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin are also activated by food, rich in sugar, fat and salt
The reward signals from these addictive foods, override other signals of fullness and satisfaction in the brain. As a result, people keep eating, even when they're not hungry. Compulsive overeating is a type of behavioral addiction. People with food addictions lose control over their eating behavior and find themselves spending excessive amounts of time involved with food and overeating, or anticipating the emotional effects of compulsive overeating.
People who show signs of food addiction may also develop a kind of tolerance to food. They eat more and more, only to find that food satisfies them less and less.
Food addiction may play an important role in obesity. But people who are not over weight may also struggle with food addiction when young and start putting on weight later. Their bodies may simply be genetically programmed to better handle the extra calories they take in. Or they may increase their physical activity to compensate for overeating.
People who are addicted to food will continue to eat despite negative consequences, such as weight gain or damaged relationships. And like people who are addicted to drugs or gambling, people who are addicted to food will have trouble stopping their behavior, even if they want to or have tried many times to cut back.