I’m both a bit overweight and I would say I have an addictive personality. This came to mind as I find myself playing the game Spider Solitaire incessantly. My son introduced me to the game recently and I have not stopped playing the game since. It has even caused me to stop doing my work and I had considered myself a workaholic. All of this got me to thinking - do most overweight people have addictive personalities?
It makes sense to me as I think more about this. I believe that food is a type of addiction as are many other things, so perhaps many overweight people also have an addictive personality. If this is true, then could it be treated in the same fasion as any other compulsive disorder?
I’d reflect more on this, but I have a game of Spider Solitaire calling my name.
Posted on May 10th, 2009 by lizzie
Filed under: Weight Loss Ramblings, Daily Grind
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I think an addictive personality might have some bearing on being overweight - at least for some people. I certainly don’t think that every single overweight person is dealing with an addiction, though.
There are lots of other reasons (as I’m sure you are aware) a person can be overweight - our “modern conveniences” have made it all but unnecessary to engage in physical activity, and our busy lifestyles have made us rely on processed (read: unhealthy) foods to get meals on the table quickly.
You’ve noted a bit of addictive behavior in yourself, though, so it would be worth watching. Note your eating triggers - do you eat just when you’re hungry, or also when you’re bored, tired, depressed, lonely, etc.? We usually use addictive behaviors to mask unpleasant feelings (even though the behaviors cause plenty of unpleasant feelings themselves!)
Does this help at all?
Well Lizzie I don’t think it that way.
It varies from person to person. All not everybody becomes fat just for eating.
Many hormonal probs may also make you fat.
I agree. Some people don’t eat but yet get big. Some hormonal problems.
It is for some people. The two factors do not always go hand in hand.
I tend to agree also. It is not always the fact that you overeat, but hormones can be a big factor. Heck, there are numerous reasons why one gains weight, with or without eating.
I agree with you, I think there’s some people get big , and he have an Addictive Personality. I have friend for this case.
I totally agree! Good article! I am overweight too…
I think weight most probably can be treated in some cases as a compulsive disorder. I have also had some interesting discussions about weight loss with people in the ‘NLP world’ around effective use of goal setting (ensure that there is a goal beyond the target weight i.e. once I get to Xkgs I will be able to Y).
it’s good blog.i agree.some hormonal problems.it’s for some people.
In something I agree with you. But all people are different
Most of fat people i know have Addictive Personality.They seems to be very keen on foods.
I don’t think being overweight is linked to an addictive personality. However, an addictive personality may lead to being overweight - that would be an interesting study.
I think everybody must take care of their body form.
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LOL - well I definitely have an ‘addictive personality’ and I am overweight - but I don’t think they are linked directly.
I don’t exercise enough and I eat too much - but this is down to my addiction to work and my computer.
Rog.
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yeah but it can go both ways because I have known people who have struggled with eating disorders for years, which is also an addiction.
sometimes………
and sometimes not……….
depends how fat you are
Fat doesn’t mean addictive..
Just enjoy the game, and sometimes do exercise
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It could be the genes. From my maternal side, my relatives are predominantly tall and thin; while from the paternal side, my aunts are mostly short and obese. The genes I got are tall and obese
I tend to get overweight even when I’m on a strict diet–which is definitely frustrating.
I definitely feel over eating is an addictive process for many. Not just an addictive process itself, but just one manifestation of an addictive personality. There are diet tests going on at this moment concerning anti-depressants and weight loss and one study which I am familiar with shows a sharp correlation between antidepressants which also help lower addictive behavior have a very positive effect on the individual allowing them to resist the temptation to eat.
Will
Nice discussion this is helpful for who want to lose the weight.
Good article its very effective for those people who are suffering with weight problem.
I agree that stress can be a really negative influence on weight, but all people diff rant.
good article its really helpful for heavy weight people.
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i also addictive personality. i don’t eat more for my addiction to my work. i also struggled with eating disorder.this also is addiction.
In spite of the variety of activities that can be considered addictive, people who engage in them tend to have certain attitudes and types of behavior in common.
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I think there are usually other factors connected to being overweight. A part of the reason is probably caused by genes. Psychological factors are there also but I think that addictive personality is not one of the biggest. I think both addictive personality and overweight status might be only a consequence of a third factor.
I don’t think being overweight can directly be attributed to having an addictive personality. Its the over-eating that an addictive personality type can exhibit that is a contributing factor in my opinion. I know that I just can’t enjoy a tv show or movie unless Im eating something throughout.
Brought up a lot of good points. Try and remember to control how much goes in and how active you are….
I have also had some interesting discussions about weight loss.
I think its not. Eating too much might be cause be other certain factors. Its more on a personal problem. I think it would be better if we exercise if we are frustrated. But depends really on the person.
I totally agree on what you have said. I am also an Overweight and some times I cant stop my self doing my favorite stuffs. its just like I am going to be sick If I haven’t eat my favorite Pizza flavor and so on. I wish there is a cure on this because I really need to stop my addictive personality.
I wish more people would realize that food can very addictive. I see it the time with my own family. You have to have a ton of self discipline to not over eating. People put weight issues right at the top of there stress list over a life time.
It really depends… the most overweight person I know has a very addictive personality. More notably, all he does is play World of Warcraft. The next most overweight is addicted to watching sports (how ironic). However, I know some very healthy addicts too, who are addicted to things like working out and playing sports.
I would actually say most people are overweight from lack of passion.
I also support the view that overweight people have an addictive personality. There are many reasons physical and habitual both.
Thats an interesting way to look at it lol
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I think being overweight can be attributed to having an addictive personality (but there are also many other things too). I think knowing you have an addictive personality is half the battle and once you realise this you can stop yourself when you go to the fridge for that extra slice of pie. Addictions are rarely a good thing and realising what sets off your addiction will help you overcome wanting to eat. I am currently trying to lose weight with diet pills. I think diet pills that work can help you lose weight and divert your obession/addictive personality onto something else.
It makes sense to me as I think more about this. I believe that food is a type of addiction as are many other things
Nice Topic ,
I think So
There should many reason to tell if you are additive or not. but being over weight because of eating and whatever I think it is not an addictive personality because if you were an addict you will try to risk it all just to get what you want and it would be really hard to stop it without a help of professional. Maybe you only need to tell your self why I am eating so much and is this really makes me good?
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it’s interesting blog.It really depends… the most overweight person.I know some very healthy addicts too.
Speaking of addiction
I’m addicted to Entermann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Anybody else like these?
Jack
I definitely think there is a correlation. I have been overweight my whole life, and also have a very addictive personality. However, i attribute a lot of it to genetics: my father’s side of the family is very obese, and my Mom has been addicted to almost everything possible…
Addictive behavior is actually a psychosis. Very much related to obsessive compulsive. And the answer is yes AB is prone to weight issues.
I think it is not an addictive personality because if you were an addict you will try to risk it all just to get what you want and it would be really hard to stop it without a help of professional. Maybe you only need to tell your self why I am eating so much and is this really makes me good?
i think it fit to my son ,i will test the food , believe that food is a type of addiction as are many other things,good post
I don’t think necessarily an addictive personality, but definitley some mental disorder. I don’t mean like the person is psycho or something. I just think maybe depression or just certain enviornments can effect ones personality.
Then of course, there is always the different metabolisms. Some people have slower metabolisms and some are off the charts.
I could see the two being link, I know many people see over eating as an additcion, it makes sense they would be related.
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Having an addictive personality might have something to do with being overweight but I don’t think it’s the whole reason. Genes def have a big part to play. I think your genes decide what body shape you have and your body will always try to maintain that shape, no matter how little or how much you eat.
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i don’t think it is for most overweight people.. my mother isn’t like that, i mean she do have some cravings sometimes but not necessarily she wants to have or do the same things always.
I don’t think it that way.. its all about life choice not addictive case… but I believe too that healthy does not mean..skinny…
@Dara, true, I have the same case, my fathers side are all overweight and my Doctor told me that I should not get depression because there’s a basis why I am overweight, but, I told her that it doesn’t mean that I’ll stop my diet.
Yes its true that some people go overweight due to hormonal problems.I have seen many people who don’t eat too much or consume heavy fatty meals but still they are obese.On the other hand there are many people who eat more than normal but are always lean and slim.
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Thanks
Weight loss has always been a mind game, every aspect of it depends the person ability to control themselves. Let it be eating habits, work outs or being a couch potato..there has always been choices available just that people never took it for the lack of will power and a cohesive mind
@ William above - some antidepressants actually increase the craving for carbohydrate based foods, which sees dramatic weight gain.
This can lead to self esteem issues in people who can least afford them, thus creating a bit of a cycle.
Just another way to keep your mind occupied, I suppose. Lots of people eat to take their mind away from problems. So it could be related, but I wouldn’t draw any conclusions until you check in with a shrink and get it verified.
I have tried weight watchers and a few other things before in the past, but always get off track, now I am hoping by blogging about my journey like you I will be able to stay on track.
nice post for those who always want to lose the weight!
I am overweight too, but it not always because addiction to food. Sometime it does.
How you looks matters a most
The mere mention of addictive personalities conjures up images of drug addicts and compulsive gamblers. Addictions don’t have to be negative, other than that the participant is addicted.
it is for some people. The two factors do not always go hand in
i think sometimes we eat bcoz we want,not bcoz hungry..
i was like that..
maybe some people have addicted,bcoz for them without food in their mouth,their feel bored n uncomfortable..
Weight loss has become a major problem now a days. People tend to see to hire people for weight loss problem. You are not addict but its normal.
Good article really help the people struggling with overweight, Some people getting overweight as they are not eating much.Keep mind concentrate in things and try for the best.
I don’t think there is only one answer to this. It cant be either this or that. reasons for gaining Weight is quite complicated - as complicated as loosing it.
cheers
I think you have said a very good point there. Many people are doing the cayenne pepper diet have been telling me that they are having a little of addictive personality
in my point of view i dont think that being an overweight person affects our image & personality in the society because i am also a fatty guy but till now i dont have any problem related to it accept sometime i eat a lot when thought to have some extras!
The mere mention of addictive personalities conjures up images of drug addicts and compulsive gamblers. reasons for gaining Weight is quite complicate
Most people who have weight issues either have hormonal problems or emotional and psychological problems, where in they resort to food and eating a lot of it to deal with their daily stresses. The advice of a health care professional is really important.
Interesting thoughts, I consider myself an addictive person. There are some things I can’t live without but I’m not overweight. Just not yet
i think not all fat has addictive personality. And not all fat became fat by eating foods. Others are due to hormonal problems.
i believe there can be cases of ocd{obbsesive compulsive disorder} with some who are overweight or are addicted to anything. I know someone who is overweight and has ocd problems with exercise, also she obsseses on cleaning. Worth considering
The body of the weight is not depends upon the eating huge it is also one of the reason but it is not major cause the other reason is may be that men or women have some thyroid problem or some hormonal problem.
Weight cannot be lost quickly..it needs a long time of hard work to work on your self to loose weight. It is quite easy to say i can loose weight and be on diet. But it is extremely difficult to follow the the diet rules.
I think it could be, it’s definitely not the cause of it. But, I’m sure that people that get hooked on food can easily get hooked on other stuff. You have to train your brain not to.
I become sort of a obsessed with certain things. I define “addiction” as doing something obsessively, knowing it’s either wrong or is keeping me of accomplishing other, more productive things, but doing it anyway, despite the consequences. But i don’t think it is for most overweight people, hormones can be a big factor.
I don’t think that obesity is always linked with and addictive behavior. We
all know people with a very good balance in many areas of life, but dealing all the time with over weight. There are many causes, such as genetics, metabolism, and I tend to think that the human being is a race with an obesity tendency. Only a few percentage of people are naturally slims.
I agree with you, I’ve been addicted to eat