Health Alert: Food Addiction

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Have trouble saying no to chocolate? It might not be because you don't have strong will power. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is here with some new research on food addiction.

The new study from Yale University is the first to link food addictions to brain activity. Researchers have shown that cravings--for something like candy--can be as strong as being addicted to drugs.

Cold and sweet and creamy. Have to have a milkshake. The craving can be very powerful, for some.

"It's one of life's great pleasures, I think," said Robert Hyde, who loves ice cream.

"I'm addicted to popcorn," said Karen Villanti, who thinks food can be addicting.

"Potato chips, ice cream," said Genise Perry, from West Philadelphia.

The new research from Yale says food addictions can be as powerful as being hooked on alcohol or drugs for some.

A small group of pathological eaters was shown pictures of milkshakes during MRI scans, and their brains reward centers were activated in the same way an alcoholic responds to a picture of a drink.

"By measuring blood oxygen in these different areas, they have concluded that food addiction shows amazing similarity to drug addiction," said Dr. Frank Farley, a psychologist at Temple University. He says the new addiction study needs more research, and that there are a lot of reasons why people overeat.

"Eating behavior can be attributed to many things, and not just certain brain processes. There can be all sort of social factors, environmental factors, family factors, genetic factors," said Dr. Farley.

Experts say foods that can be more addictive tend to be high in sugar, fat and carbohydrates, like a donut.

"It could be. Yes, absolutely," said Aziza Soveral, of Philadelphia.

"It's a kind of addiction, but it's a good one," said Omar Fassatoue, who thinks food can be addicting.

Experts say the best treatment for a food addict is to know your triggers and avoid them.

For example, chocoholics should stay away from bakeries and candy stores.

Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3