Chocoholism

A chocoholic is a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate. There is some medical evidence to support the existence of actual addiction to chocolate. However, the term is mostly used loosely or humorously to describe a person who is inordinately fond of chocolate. The word chocoholic was first used in 1968 according to Merriam-Webster. It is a portmanteau of "chocolate" and "alcoholic".

Chocoholism is quite common. In studies of food cravings, chocolate and chocolate confectioneries almost always top the list of foods people say they crave.

The essential components of addiction are intense craving for something, loss of control over the use of it, and continued use despite negative consequences. Studies have shown that people can exhibit all three of these components in relation to food, particularly food that contains sugar or fat. Since chocolate contains both, it is often used in studies of food addiction.

In addition to sugar and fat, chocolate contains several substances that can make it feel "addictive". These include tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods; high serotonin levels can produce feelings of elation. Another is phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter from which amphetamine is derived; phenylethylamine is nicknamed "chocolate amphetamine" and can cause feelings of excitement and attraction.

Even scientists who doubt the existence of true addiction agree that chocolate craving is real. Women are especially affected.

One cause of chocolate craving could be magnesium deficiency.

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Wikipedia