By Marty Lerner, PhD
Board member
The medical and psychological challenges posed in the close relationships among Food Addiction, eating disorders, and ultra-processed food dependency (UPFD) demand that we move from understanding the problem to solutions for it.
These are just some of the ailments that arise:
Not all Food Addicts experience obesity, but most experience obesity as a symptom; this is also true for many with eating disorders and UPFD. The same can be said for what is often described as persistent “food noise.”
All three conditions don’t always respond to traditional treatment methods, or to 12-Step support groups or other programs suggesting “abstinent” food plans. Despite their best efforts with food plans, psychological approaches, and treatment regimens, a significant number of patients require more, such as Semaglutide (Wagovy) or
Tirzepatide (zepbound).
Using these alone is often insufficient. Most peer-reviewed research finds that stopping these medications reverses most of the progress: health benefits disappear, weight and “food noise” return.
A few small studies suggest that a comprehensive program that adds significant lifestyle changes can minimize or prevent such relapses. Until research demonstrates otherwise, it is assumed that GLP-1 users will need to remain on the medication, similar to diabetics’ long-term need for insulin.
Medication-assisted treatment can provide a path to long-term recovery. Clinical studies are investigating whether patients can sustain their recovery without a lifelong dependence on these medications. A few trials suggest that continued success without GLP-1 medication can be achieved with these actions:
Dr. Lerner is the founder and CEO of Milestones in Recovery, Cooper City, Fla. He has been treating Food Addiction and eating disorders for four decades.
A careful review of the research literature suggests the following recommendations for those patients prescribed these medications. * (summary of cautions and recommendations for weight loss)
