0 comments

Repairing Your Relationship With Your Body After Trauma and Food Addiction

By Karen Robinson

Heal Thrive Dream 

Trauma, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can have far-reaching effects on a survivor’s life. One of the less-discussed consequences is its impact on food addiction. In times of distress, many people turn to food as a coping mechanism, seeking comfort and relief in its embrace.

This can lead to unhealthy eating patterns, ultimately resulting in weight gain and obesity. Let’s examine the complex interaction of trauma, emotional triggers, and food addiction below and how it creates a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

Food Addiction

Trauma, food addiction, and obesity


In the past, researchers understood obesity to be the result of genetics or lifestyle factors like having a poor diet and lack of exercise. However, there are instances where interconnected factors partially or wholly outside of an individual’s control have been found to lead to weight gain and obesity. One study reveals that childhood trauma is associated with obesity during early adulthood due to the emergence of food addiction as a maladaptive coping mechanism. Another study observing how traumatic experiences impact inpatients’ eating behavior highlights that it can lead to emotional and stress-eating habits, as well as an addiction to food and sweets.

As the cycle of trauma-driven food addiction persists, it eventually takes a devastating toll on one’s physical and mental health. Overweight and obesity brings with it a host

of medical complications, including heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and more. The emotional effects are equally significant, with feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. This can perpetuate the cycle of trauma as individuals grapple with their body image and self-worth.

Repairing your relationship with your body and eating


Breaking free from the grip of trauma-induced food addiction and its consequences can be challenging but not insurmountable. Here are some ways you can begin to heal your relationship with your body and eating.

Seek counseling

When it comes to healing from trauma and repairing your body’s responses, there is no quick fix. However, having a professional help you navigate your relationship with your body and eating is recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one way a therapist may treat both trauma and food addiction. CBT is a goal-oriented treatment approach that focuses on an individual’s thought patterns and behaviors that lead to emotional eating. Treatment may involve identifying your triggers and tracking, organizing, analyzing, and replacing your thoughts. CBT is also helpful for learning healthier ways to manage your stress and emotions.

Join a structured weight loss program

Joining a fitness group or connecting with individuals who have similar goals can foster a sense of community and contribute to your healing process. Healthy weight loss should be holistic and sustainable, so find a group that offers the same. Opt for a science-backed weight loss program that empowers you to take control of your eating habits with nutritious meals. Having the support of trainers, dieticians, and other people looking to improve their health will keep you motivated to stay on track.

Practice intuitive eating

Food addiction and emotional eating damage our bodies’ natural cues that let us know when we’re hungry, satisfied, and full. Intuitive eating is all about getting back in touch with those natural signals and reconnecting with food as a source of nourishment. Be aware that this process can be hard and take a long time. Sometimes, the goal with intuitive eating isn’t to eat less. Instead, it’s about teaching yourself to be present and curious. When you’re able to observe the way your mind and body process certain foods, then you’ll slowly understand your internal cues.

The connection between trauma and food addiction is a profound one, with serious implications for overweight and obesity. However, with the right support and strategies, you can embark on a journey of healing and rediscovery, mending your relationship with your body and fostering healthier eating habits. This can help you walk the path toward empowerment, self-acceptance, and overall well-being.

For more on healing from trauma, check out the rest of our work here at Heal Thrive Dream.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

About the author

Hi,

I'm  Karen

I'm licensed therapist with 25 years of clinical experience. Service driven, specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression, holistic care, and transformation to create an impact for trauma survivors globally. Services include coaching, therapy virtual courses, digital products, and on-line memberships.

Karen Robinson

Subscribe to receive emails when we publish new blogs and more healing tips from us!