Do you proudly call yourself a “foodie”? Do you often find it hard to stop eating once you start on your favourite dish? If yes, you may need to pay attention to the possible signs of food addiction.

Food addiction is a serious psychological condition that can affect people of all ages and genders. While occasional overeating is common and usually brushed off as harmless, there is a significant difference between indulging once in a while and struggling with food addiction.

The symptoms of food addiction can negatively impact a person’s daily routine as well as overall health. We already know that frequent overeating can lead to health problems such as obesity, indigestion, heart issues, and high cholesterol. Food addiction—an extreme form of overeating—can result in even more serious consequences.

Because some signs of food addiction closely resemble normal overeating, it’s important to understand the difference. Here are some food addiction symptoms you should never ignore:

# Fatigue

Constant overeating or food addiction can cause extreme tiredness, especially after meals. Consuming large quantities of high-calorie food often leads to bloating and a heavy, drained feeling.

# Nausea

One of the common signs of food addiction is eating until you feel sick or nauseated. People struggling with this condition often don’t recognize when to stop eating.

# Trigger Foods

Those with food addiction usually have specific trigger foods that make them want to eat uncontrollably, even when they’ve decided to eat healthy.

# Eating Alone

A strong preference for eating alone can also be a symptom. This often stems from fear of being judged or having the problem noticed by others.

# Binge Food Shopping

People with food addiction may frequently stock up on foods meant for binge eating. This habit can worsen overeating-related issues and contribute to obesity.

# Lack of Self-Control

An inability to control food intake—even while being fully aware of the harmful effects—is a key sign of food addiction.

# Indigestion

Frequent indigestion, along with obesity and related conditions, is commonly seen in people dealing with food addiction and is one of its major symptoms.