Of course food addiction is real.

I'm addicted to food. If I go cold turkey and cut food out of my diet, I'll starve to death. That is one hell of a withdrawal symptom.

No 12 step program can cure me of being addicted to food. If I completely quit eating, I'll weaken and die.

The abuse of the term is what I have a problem with.

I'm addicted to water and sleep too. Death is a withdrawal symptom of quitting both of those habits.

From the Random House Dictionary: dependence on or commitment to a habit, practice, or habit-forming substance to the extent that its cessation causes trauma.

I'm definitely addicted to food, water, and sleep. I try not to overdo any of them.

I'm not addicted to any particular food. I love certain foods and want to eat them often, but I won't be traumatized if I can't get bacon or macadamia nuts anymore. I'd miss the hell out of them. But I am addicted to food.

I'm Italian/American and I gave up macaroni for health. I gave up French fries too. I miss them both. But I can't give up "food". So I'm a food addict.

How about you?

Bob