Internet and Food Addictions: Too Much of a Good Thing

In moderation, sex, food, work, exercise, shopping and Internet use are considered normal healthy behaviors. But when they become excessive, they can jeopardize all aspects of your life.

For example, playing video games for a couple hours a day is considered a normal habit. But when a kid starts doubling his screen time, turns down hanging out with friends and starts isolating himself. He is clearly entering the danger zone.

“How much technology is too much?

That’s all we’re really asking, and that’s where the debate lies,” says Kimberly Young, Ph.D., psychologist and founder of the Center for Internet Addiction. “Is unlimited access good for anybody? And when you’re young and you haven’t developed reading or social skills, is that really a good thing?”

Young advises parents to set time limits with all electronic devices and to avoid using them as a babysitter. Without any parental supervision or limits, kids run the risk of becoming addicted. For example, one teenager crashed his car five times because he couldn’t stop texting and driving. Another boy had developed blood clots in his legs from sitting in the same position every day.

Food Addiction

Just as too much screen time can be detrimental, so can too much food. “Food addiction is characterized by obsession with food, obsession with weight, and loss of control over the amount eaten.” says Kay Sheppard. Licensed mental health counselor and author of “ Food Addiction: The Body Knows”. Eating to the point of pain, feeling guilt, shame or depression are signs that your eating habits are out of control. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor eating habits and physical inactivity are the No. 2 cause of preventable death in the U.S., second only to smoking.

The CDC reports that 1 in every 3 adults is obese and nearly 1 in 5 children between 6 and 19 years old are considered obese.

“But not all obese people are food addicts, and not all food addicts are obese,” warns Sheppard. Someone obsessed with food who bounces from one diet to the next may not look overweight, but may still have an addiction.

Foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat—like cookies, ice cream, pizza, and fries —are designed to create cravings. They are made to trigger brain responses that are similar to the brain’s response to drugs and alcohol.

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