Food Addiction

• Physical Consequences of Anorexia
• Physical Consequences of Bulimia
• Physical Consequences of Compulsive Overeating

Eating disorders, or "Food Addiction" are not about food. They are about an unhealthy relationship between an individual and a mood altering process involving food. Eating disorders are addictive illnesses and are progressive in nature. "Food Addiction" can take on several forms: anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating.

People with these disorders engage in behaviors such as bingeing, purging, restricting, overeating, calorie counting, excessive exercise, abuse of diuretics, etc., in order to feel normal and/or to alter their moods.

Behaviors associated with food addiction are similar to those of other addictions, such as chemical dependency. Among these may be:

• Loss of control
• Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or stop the behavior
• A great deal of time spent think about food or engaging in the behavior
• Continuing the behavior despite related consequences
• Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, headaches and restlessness
• A need for increased amounts of the substance
• Changes in social, occupational, or recreational activities as a result of the behavior

Physical Consequences of Anorexia

• Liver and kidney problems
• Metabolic changes
• Bone changes
• Damage to hormonal systems

Physical Consequences of Bulimia

• Esophageal tearing
• Dental damage
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Heart failure

Physical Consequences of Compulsive Overeating

• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Varicose veins
• Heart attack

Speakers Bureau

Our staff of certified addiction counselors, psychologists, nurses, chaplains and physicians is available free of charge to businesses. Professional staff members provide informational presentations on the problems of chemical dependency and compulsive addictions. These programs are an outstanding supplement to employee health evaluation and maintenance efforts. To set up a presentation for your organization, please e-mail our Vice President of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Rick Zehr, at eric.zehr@proctor.org or call 1-800-522-3784.

To comment on this site or inquire about IIAR programs and services, or to receive additional information on any of the subjects discussed in this Web site, please e-mail our Vice President of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org) or call 1-800-522-3784.

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This information is provided as a community education service about professional issues and is not a substitute for individual consultation. Advice on individual problems should be obtained through a professional. All personal and medical information provided to IIAR and its staff is held in strict confidence. This information will not be disclosed to any person or organization without the written consent of the patient or guardian.

The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has centers at the following three locations:
Proctor Hospital, 5409 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614, phone: 1-800-522-3784
BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Virginia at Franklin, Normal, IL 61761, phone: 309-888-0993
IIAR at Springfield, 3050 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, phone: 217-726-6611

E-mail comments or requests for additional information to Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org)

You may also contact: Randee McGraw, Administrative Director
Pam Hillyard, Manager
Coleen Moore, Coordinator of Resource Development
Patricia Erickson, Nursing Coordinator

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