#158: Food Addiction, Emotional Eating and The Complexities of the Human Brain with Dr. Ashley Gearhardt
“I want to understand the relationship with food rather than using body size as a proxy for a healthy relationship with food” -Dr. Ashley Gearhardt
Dr. Ashley Gearhardt is a food addiction researcher who has published many research papers on this topic. She is very knowledgeable and has much to say about what it is, what may cause it and ways to treat it. I asked her to be on the show so that I could learn a little more about what we know about these behaviors and maybe why it is that intuitive eating principles may alleviate symptoms for some.
In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I interview Dr. Ashley Gearhardt about food addiction and the many complexities of the human brain.
We discuss:
How food addition is defined
The association between food addiction and body weight
If the label of food addict is helpful or harmful
How our culture and food environment shapes food addiction
The difference between food addiction, overeating, emotional eating and mood disorders with eating components
How restriction affects food addiction
What research exists on intuitive eating or mindfulness to help those with symptoms of food addiction
What she wishes more people knew about food addiction
What personal habit she is most proud of and why
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Dr. Ashley Gearhardt
More about my honored guest:
Dr. Ashley Gearhardt is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Clinical Science area at the University of Michigan. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Yale University with training on the underpinnings of both excess food and alcohol consumption. Dr. Gearhardt currently investigates the contribution of reward dysfunction (e.g., craving, liking) to eating-related problems across the lifespan. She uses a multi-method approach to explore the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral factors that contribute to problematic eating behavior. Dr. Gearhardt also investigates the role of addictive processes in compulsive overeating and is the Director of the Food Addiction Science and Treatment Laboratory. Her research has received funding from the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and her research has been featured on media outlets including the New York Times, ABC News, the Today Show, and Time Magazine. Sites.lsa.umich.edu/fastlab/
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
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