Ep 4. Addicted to Pizza

Freaky Eaters is a reality documentary TV series that explores the extreme and unusual eating habits of people suffering from severe food addictions. Each episode features two individuals struggling with an obsessive-compulsive relationship with a specific food and follows their journey towards recovery. In season 1, episode 4, we meet two individuals whose lives are consumed by their addiction to pizza.

First, we meet 28-year-old Kevin who claims to have eaten pizza every day for the last 15 years. He eats it for every meal and sleeps with a pizza box next to his bed. Kevin admits that his addiction has caused him to gain over 100 pounds, develop type 2 diabetes, and become isolated from his family and friends. He is desperate to break the cycle but fears that he will never be able to live without pizza.

Next, we meet 25-year-old Gabby who has also developed a serious addiction to pizza. She eats it multiple times a day and is afraid to try any other food. Gabby has a strong emotional attachment to pizza, which she attributes to happy childhood memories spent with her family. However, her addiction has caused her to gain weight and suffer from numerous health problems. Gabby is determined to overcome her addiction and start living a healthier life.

To help these two pizza addicts in their journey towards recovery, they visited with nutrition expert J.J. Virgin, who put them on a strict diet plan designed to break their emotional and physical dependence on pizza. Over the course of the episode, we see Kevin and Gabby struggle with their newfound limitations and face their fears of living without their favorite food. They also participate in therapy sessions to address the psychological issues underlying their addiction.

The episode also features several expert interviews discussing the dangers of food addiction and how to overcome it. We hear from Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, who specializes in eating disorders, and Dr. Mike Dow, a psychotherapist and addiction expert. Both agree that addiction to food, including pizza, is a real and serious issue that requires professional help and a comprehensive treatment plan.

Towards the end of the episode, we see Kevin and Gabby's progress, both physically and emotionally, as they continue to work through their addiction. They are able to integrate more healthy foods into their diets and begin to see the benefits of a more balanced lifestyle. They also receive support from their loved ones, who encourage them throughout the process.

As with all episodes of Freaky Eaters, Addicted to Pizza is an emotionally charged and intense hour of television. It highlights the devastating consequences of addiction and demonstrates the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with food-related issues. By following the journeys of Kevin and Gabby, viewers gain insight into the complex nature of food addiction and come away with a greater understanding of how to overcome it.