Is it normal to be addicted to food?

Unfortunately, this problem is becoming increasingly normal. There are chemicals in certain foods that release serotonin and dopamine (the brain chemicals associated with feeling of happiness, reward, and love), as well as foods that affect your blood sugar, foods that cause high levels of energy followed by an immediate crash, and foods that cause reactions in your body that make you feel hungry when you are not.

I've dealt with addictions before, and I don't know that I would be able to handle a food addiction. In essence, it's different, because you can't just QUIT food. You still need to consume it on a daily basis, to be around it.

I would suggest that you get help before the problem becomes worse. See a doctor who can council you; find a nutritionist; keep a food journal- be accountable. Do whatever you need to do in order to start having a healthy relationship with food. This, to me, would be a scary addiction to have, so I wish you luck with it.

Yes, it is normal to be addicted to a number of things. Food is one of them. Start keeping track of what you're eating in a log. Since this problem has gotten out of your hands, would you consider talking to a therapist? It would help to talk about the events that led up these habits of over eating. Best of luck.

It a vicious circle. One feels empty and lonely so they eat to fill the void. Then they gain weight making themselves even more unattractive, which leads to less self esteem and more emptiness and loneliness, and more eating. Round and round we go how do we stop it?
First is coming to the realization that food isn't the answer, it's the problem. Change your eating habits. Less of what you like and more healthy eating. No more chips, bread, candy or dips. Carrot and celery sticks and broccoli. No more fried food, less carbs and no sauces. Forget fast food, you know the drill, I'm sure.
Feeling lonely and sad; go for a short fast walk. The less you eat the less fills you up. hungry, but know it's only boredom? Go for a walk, bike ride, swim, whatever; get out of the house for 15 minutes or so. In time the cravings will ease, you'll lose weight (increase self esteem) and meet someone/make new friends, and you won't need food to fill the void any more.
Good luck.

Addiction has always been somewhat pathetic to me. I don't understand how anyone can allow themselves to be addicted to anything. You control what you put into your body, nobody else. You want to stop eating? So stop then, its that simple.

Have you considered gastric bypass or one of those lap bands? If your weight is affecting your health badly you could be a candidate.
Or maybe hypnosis?

Yes. Everyone is. Withdrawal can even be fatal.

Poor addicts, putting themselves in shitty situations and blaming the world for their shitty actions. Sorry, but I've been around way to many people who "struggle with addiction" to feel absolutely anything towards them anymore. I agree with what one of the posters said, try gastric bypass if you qualify, but don't say that you have no control over what you put into your mouth. You are not being force fed. You make the concious decision to continue to eat unhealthy food every chance you get, and that's on you, nobody else.