Mazokopakis, E. E. (2021). Food addiction in the Christian Patristic Tradition. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 26
, 405–406. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-020-00843-5
From the research article’s abstract: “Food addiction is a new mental health disorder, which is characterized by loss of behavioral control over food consumption and is accompanied by obesity and other eating disorders. The aim of this letter is to present the views of the Christian Patristic Tradition on food addiction. The Christian Patristic Tradition teaches that the passion of gluttony is the first and most basic passion of human beings, which leads to the distortion of human nature and the loss of spiritual freedom. The passion of gluttony is the source of all other passions, such as lust, greed, anger, and pride. The Christian Patristic Tradition offers a holistic approach to the treatment of food addiction, which includes fasting, prayer, repentance, and participation in the sacraments of the Church. The Christian Patristic Tradition views food addiction not only as a physical or psychological problem but as a spiritual disorder that requires spiritual healing.”