Why We Overeat and How to Overcome Emotional Eating

This guide is for anyone dealing with overeating, whether it’s you or someone you love and care about. It helps you understand why overeating happens, shows its signs, and gives you ways to address and handle it. If you’re trying to eat better or help someone else do the same, this guide offers easy-to-follow advice and tips. Let’s start this journey together to improve our health and well-being by tackling the issue of overeating.

1. Understanding Overeating

Overeating is defined in several ways by different sources, but they all center around the concept of consuming more food than the body requires, often resulting in discomfort or health issues. It’s not just about the occasional  indulgence, such as during a holiday feast. It’s a pattern of behavior that can really affect our health and happiness, and often makes us feel guilty and ashamed. This guilt and shame can make the problem worse, making it hard for us to deal with these feelings and reach out for help. 

2. Effects of Overeating on the Body

Overeating frequently leads to immediate discomfort and can cause serious long-term health issues. Physical symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain occur when the stomach is overwhelmed with more food than it can handle. Over time, chronic overeating significantly affects metabolic health, leading to fat buildup and potential obesity. Obesity is linked to serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, all resulting from the excessive stress on the heart, blood vessels, and organs.

Additionally, overeating can disrupt blood sugar levels, causing spikes and subsequent drops that lead to fatigue and irritability. This pattern can trigger a relentless cycle of overeating that eventually strains the pancreas and may cause insulin resistance.

The liver’s function is also compromised by excessive nutrient intake, potentially leading to fatty liver disease, which impairs liver function and can cause inflammation or scarring. The cardiovascular system is also at risk; consuming high levels of saturated fats can raise cholesterol, while too much salt increases blood pressure.

On a psychological level, overeating is often connected to emotional eating, where food is used to manage stress or emotional upset. This habit perpetuates a cycle of overeating and discomfort, further complicating the issues associated with overconsumption.

3. Recognizing the Symptoms of Overeating 

Identifying the symptoms of overeating is the first step toward understanding and addressing the issue. The most common symptoms range from physiological responses to emotional and behavioral patterns, each indicating a possible issue with overeating. Some of them include:

a) Eating large amounts of food in a short period

This behavior, often referred to as binge eating, involves consuming much more food than most people would eat under similar circumstances. During a binge-eating episode, the food is typically eaten quickly. A common rule of thumb is that the consumption takes place within a period of two hours or less. For example, someone might eat an entire large pizza in one sitting followed by some salty and sugar-sweetened beverages, despite not feeling particularly hungry. In a Brazilian study on binge eating, individuals consumed an average of 1067 kcal during episodes, mainly from carbohydrates and fats (Ferreira de Moraes et al., 2023).

Many adults, around 5% to 11%, commonly report binge eating in wider community surveys (Abraham et al., 2014; Mitchison et al., 2014; Striegel et al., 2012).

This pattern goes beyond occasional indulgence and can indicate a deeper issue with compulsive overeating. 

b) Feeling uncomfortably full after meals

This discomfort is more than the usual fullness one might experience after a satisfying meal. It’s a physical sensation where one might feel bloated or even in mild pain due to the excessive amount of food consumed. Imagine finishing a holiday feast where you’ve eaten to the point of discomfort; if this happens regularly, it might be a sign of overeating.

When you eat too much, you might experience acid reflux, bloating, gas, heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain. You can also feel really tired and slow because your body is busy trying to handle all the extra food. However, these feelings don’t always mean you overate; they can happen for other reasons too. If these feelings stick around for more than a day or get worse over a week, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor to see what’s going on.

c) Eating when not hungry or past the point of satisfaction

It involves eating for reasons other than hunger such as boredom, stress , or emotional distress such as feeling:

  • Sadness or loneliness
  • Anxiety
  • Anger or frustration
  • Grief

However, emotional eating isn’t always triggered by negative emotions. People may also eat emotionally to celebrate, such as indulging in a special meal or dessert to mark a happy occasion. Please note that overindulging during a holiday feast is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone from time to time. As long as it doesn’t evolve into a concerning pattern of obsession or isolation, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and continue with our usual eating habits.

d) Feeling guilty, depressed, or disgusted after eating

Feelings of guilt, depression, or disgust after eating are significant emotional symptoms of overeating. These feelings can stem from a sense of loss of control over eating habits or from societal stigma surrounding eating and body image. It’s not just about feeling a bit regretful after a large meal; it’s a deeper sense of emotional turmoil related to eating behaviors.

e) Eating alone or in secret due to embarrassment about the quantity of food consumed

Lastly, eating alone or in secret due to embarrassment about the quantity of food consumed is a behavioral symptom that should n’t be overlooked. This might look like someone waiting until they’re alone to eat or hiding food to consume in private. This behavior often stems from shame or embarrassment about eating habits and the fear of being judged by others.

Each of these symptoms can manifest differently in individuals, and their presence doesn’t necessarily mean someone has a disorder. However, they are important indicators to be aware of, especially if they occur frequently or in combination. Recognizing these signs can be the first step in seeking help or making changes to develop healthier eating habits.

4. Main Causes of Overeating

Overeating can stem from various factors, with several key causes contributing to this behavior. 

a) Dealing with trauma and difficult emotions

Our emotions wield significant influence over our eating habits, particularly for individuals who turn to food as a source of emotional comfort. The roots of overeating frequently delve into emotional and psychological realms. As previously mentioned, stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, and sadness stand as common catalysts for overindulgence, with individuals often employing food as a coping mechanism to contend with these challenging emotions. Moreover, the interplay of emotions such as stress, anxiety, boredom, and sadness can fuel episodes of overeating, fostering a cycle in which emotional distress begets overindulgence, perpetuating further distress. Childhood trauma, another potent influencer, can also be a pivotal factor in the development of emotional eating patterns, as unresolved trauma can resurface and manifest through food-related behaviors, further underscoring the intricate connection between emotions and overeating.

b) Stress

Stress and overeating often go hand in hand. When individuals experience high levels of stress, their bodies can trigger cravings for high-calorie, comfort foods as a way to cope with the emotional strain. This phenomenon is linked to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can increase appetite and drive individuals to seek out foods that provide a temporary sense of comfort and relief.

“Uncontrollable stress changes eating patterns and the salience and consumption of hyperpalatable foods; over time, this could lead to changes in allostatic load and trigger neurobiological adaptations that promote increasingly compulsive behavior.” (Yau, 2013). 

Unfortunately, these comfort foods are often high in sugar, fat, and calories, leading to overeating and, potentially, weight gain. Additionally, stress can disrupt normal eating patterns, leading to irregular meal times and emotional eating episodes. 

c) Restrictive eating

Societal pressure to maintain a certain body image or weight can lead to cycles of dieting and overeating. This is often referred to as “yo-yo dieting,” which can be harmful to both physical and mental health. 

Research has indicated that restrictive eating behaviors can contribute to compulsive eating patterns. When individuals embark on strict diets or severely limit their calorie intake, it can create a heightened sense of deprivation. This deprivation, both physical and psychological, can lead to intense cravings for forbidden or “off-limits” foods. As a result, when individuals do allow themselves to eat these restricted foods, they may experience a loss of control and engage in compulsive eating episodes, often consuming larger quantities than they originally intended. 

This phenomenon highlights the paradox of restrictive eating, where attempts to control food intake can paradoxically lead to loss of control and compulsive overeating. Developing a balanced and flexible approach to eating, rather than rigid dietary restrictions, is often recommended to promote a healthier relationship with food.

d) Processed and ultra-processed diet

A diet predominantly composed of processed and ultra-processed foods has been linked to overeating tendencies. 

Processed foods are foods that have undergone preparation or alteration before being sold, such as freezing, canning, or adding ingredients for preservation. These are:

  • Canned vegetables (e.g., canned tomatoes, beans)
  • Freshly baked bread from a bakery
  • Roasted nuts with minimal added ingredients
  • Frozen fruits and vegetables without added sauces or sugar

Ultra-processed foods are heavily industrialized products made from refined ingredients, often high in salt, sugar, and additives, and provide little nutritional value. These are:

  • Sugary breakfast cereals
  • Fast food burgers and fries
  • Soda and sugary beverages
  • Pre-packaged microwaveable meals with long ingredient lists
  • Candy bars and other highly sweetened snacks

These highly engineered foods, especially those high in sugar and fat, can be addictive. They stimulate the brain’s reward centers in a manner similar to addictive drugs, leading to cravings and a cycle of overeating. Over time, people may develop a tolerance to these foods, needing more to feel satisfied​​​​. Furthermore, concerns arise from the presence of pesticides, xenoestrogens, and antibiotics in processed foods, which may disrupt hormonal balance and influence appetite regulation. Additionally, the irradiation of food can alter its nutrient content and taste, potentially leading individuals to consume more of these less nutritious options in an attempt to satisfy their nutritional needs, ultimately contributing to overeating.

e) Genetic predisposition

Genetics and environment can also play a role in overeating. If you’ve grown up in a family where overeating is common, or you’re in a social circle where large meals or unhealthy foods are the norm, you may be more likely to overeat. 

5. Overeating Prevention Tips

Now that we understand most of the triggers of overeating, let’s explore some strategies to break these patterns.

Honesty and Compassion

One might argue that the starting point in preventing overeating episodes is the acknowledgement of the problem, a step both brave and significant. It’s also essential to couple this realization with a loving attitude towards oneself. Embrace self-compassion by recognizing your challenges without judgment and treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a good friend in a similar situation. You can’t change the past overeating episodes but you can pause, reflect and move on with love and compassion towards yourself. As long as you are aware of this problem and you admit to yourself that it requires some intervention, you will be able to honestly recognize your triggers, work on them and seek help if necessary. 

Reach out for help

Speaking of help, sometimes, it’s hard to deal with overeating on your own, especially if it’s a pattern that has been repeating for quite some time and we feel ashamed and powerless over it. Please don’t be afraid to reach out for help if needed. This could involve talking to a healthcare provider, joining a support group, or working with a nutritionist. They can provide you with valuable tools, resources, and insights to help you navigate your recovery journey. 

Below there is a list of resources that can be used to seek professional help:

Address emotions

Emotional eating is a common reason for overeating. It’s important to find healthier ways to cope with emotions. This could involve journaling, meditating, practicing yoga, or talking to a friend or therapist. Remember, it’s okay to experience emotions. They are a natural part of life. What’s important is how we respond to them.

1. Stop to Reflect

Taking a moment to pause and reflect can be incredibly powerful. Next time you find yourself reaching for food when you’re not hungry, stop and ask yourself, “What am I really feeling?” This mindful awareness can help you recognize and manage your triggers.

2. Redirect Emotions by using the HALT Tool

If you find that certain emotions are driving you to the kitchen, try to find alternative ways to cope. For instance, if you’re feeling sad, you might find comfort in taking a walk, gardening, or calling a friend. If you’re bored, consider reading a book, doing a craft, or playing a game. And if you’re stressed, try doing a physical activity like yoga, tennis, or running, or spend some quality time with your pet.

I’ve found a remarkably simple and effective method called HALT to tackle emotional eating. HALT, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, is a technique that urges people to take a moment to evaluate their emotions before using food as a means of comfort.

Let’s use the HALT method to recognize our needs and choose responses that nurture our bodies and hearts before turning to food as a source of solace or comfort. 

The HALT method helps differentiate between physical hunger and emotional urges to eat, such as when feeling angry, lonely, or tired. Instead of using food as a comfort in these emotional states, HALT encourages healthier coping strategies. For instance, if I’m actually hungry, I’ll eat. However, when anger arises, I prefer journaling, meditating, or discussing my feelings with someone. In moments of loneliness, reaching out to a friend or visiting a loved one is my go-to solution. And when tiredness hits, I opt for a nap, an early bedtime, or a calming activity to recharge.

By regularly practicing HALT, individuals can develop a greater awareness of their emotional states and make more mindful choices, thereby reducing the likelihood of emotional overeating.

3. Manage Stress

Managing stress is crucial in preventing overeating, as stress often leads to seeking comfort in food. To combat this, adopting stress-reduction techniques can be highly beneficial. Practices like deep-breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation are excellent for calming the mind and body. Additionally, dedicating time each day to activities that bring joy can significantly alleviate stress levels. Whether it’s a hobby, a walk in nature, or just some quiet time alone, these moments of enjoyment are essential for maintaining balance and avoiding the pitfalls of stress-induced overeating.

Eat whole foods diet

Eating a diet rich in whole foods can help prevent overeating. These foods are nutrient-dense and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

This nutritious and balanced meal would be a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. Additionally, beef is a great source of protein and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium, making it a valuable addition to your diet.

For breakfast, an egg omelette filled with mushrooms and carrots served with mashed avocado and sweet potato hash browns topped with herbs and seeds provides a nutritious blend of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. For lunch, oven baked veggies, lean chicken, and a drizzle of olive oil-based dressing offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and good fats. Dinner could be grilled salmon in crushed cashews (if you’re not allergic to nuts) or tofu (if you’re not sensitive to soy) with a side of roasted pumpkin and steamed broccoli, ensuring a hearty meal rich in lean protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. By focusing on such balanced and wholesome meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll be better equipped to control hunger and avoid overeating.

Top 3 Nourishing Foods for Mood Enhancement

When you’re seeking something tasty to satisfy your craving for flavor while also giving your mood a lift with endorphins and serotonin, consider a wholesome food option that meets both needs. Here are my Top 3 whole foods that can positively impact your mood:

1. Papaya

Your gut health can influence your mood significantly. Papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that aids in digestion, helping to alleviate the lethargy and irritability that comes from slow digestive processes. Additionally, papaya is high in fiber, aiding in regular digestive movement.

2. Salmon

Known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon plays a vital role in maintaining healthy brain function. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can improve mood in individuals with depression. The protein in salmon also helps increase dopamine levels in the brain, enhancing alertness and concentration.

3. Avocado

For those emotional moments when you crave something fatty, avocados are a luxurious yet healthy choice. An average-sized avocado contains about 20 grams of beneficial monounsaturated fats, essential for vitamin absorption. Research from Iowa State University showed that fats are crucial for absorbing carotenoids from vegetables in salads. Participants who used full-fat dressing absorbed these antioxidants significantly more than those who used fat-free dressing.

Other Eating Recommendations

Here are some other eating recommendations to help prevent overeating:

Eat Regularly: Helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent overeating.

Limit Distractions: Avoid eating with distractions like TV or your phone to be more mindful of your consumption.

Drink Plenty of Water: Stay hydrated, as sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger.

Eat Fiber-Filled Foods: Include plenty of fiber in your diet from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to feel fuller for longer.

Eat Protein-Rich Foods: Incorporate quality proteins like fish, nuts, and seeds to enhance satiety.

Eat Slowly and Mindfully: Take your time eating and focus on portion sizes to avoid overeating.

Plan Your Meals: Avoid last-minute food choices by planning meals in advance for healthier options.

Drink Water Before Meals: Have a glass of water before eating to determine if you are truly hungry.

Remove your trigger foods

Removing trigger foods from your environment can be a significant step in preventing overeating. Keeping high-calorie processed foods out of your home reduces the temptation and accessibility to these items, which often lead to overeating. By not having such foods readily available, you’re more likely to make healthier food choices. Instead, stock your pantry and fridge with nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This shift not only makes it easier to avoid giving in to unhealthy cravings but also encourages the development of better eating habits. Having healthy alternatives at hand means you’re more prepared to make choices that align with your wellness goals, effectively reducing the likelihood of overeating high-calorie processed foods.

Shop for food when your emotions are under control

Shopping for food when your emotions are under control is a strategic approach to preventing overeating. Emotional states can heavily influence food choices, often leading to impulsive decisions that favor high-calorie, less nutritious options. By ensuring you shop for groceries when you’re feeling calm and collected, you’re more likely to stick to a healthy shopping list and make mindful choices. This practice helps in avoiding the temptation of comfort foods that are typically sought after during emotional highs or lows. Going to the store with a clear mind and a well-thought-out plan enables you to focus on purchasing wholesome foods that align with your dietary goals, thereby reducing the risk of emotional eating and overindulgence.

6. When to See a Doctor or Dietitian

If overeating becomes a frequent occurrence or starts to impact your health and well-being, it’s important to consider seeking professional help from a doctor or dietitian. A healthcare professional can help identify underlying causes of overeating, such as emotional or psychological factors, and provide tailored advice on nutritional needs and healthy eating habits. A dietitian specifically can offer guidance on meal planning, portion control, and making nutritious food choices that align with your health goals. They can also provide support and strategies for developing a healthier relationship with food, ensuring long-term success in managing overeating. Please remember, you’re not alone in this and asking for help is an act of bravery. You got this! 

7. Are you an Emotional Eater?

Are you wondering if you’re an emotional eater? This mini quiz can help you assess if your eating habits are linked to emotions. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, it may indicate that you’re eating for emotional reasons:

  1. Do you find yourself eating even when you’re not physically hungry?
  2. Do you tend to eat in secret, away from the eyes of others?
  3. When you feel emotions like sadness, anger, anxiety, or loneliness, do you turn to food for comfort?
  4. Do you ever feel like you can’t control your eating habits, as if they have a mind of their own?
  5. After eating, do you often feel guilty or regretful about what or how much you’ve eaten?
  6. Do you use food as a reward for yourself during stressful or challenging times?
  7. Are there specific foods you crave when experiencing intense emotions?

Recognizing these patterns can be the first step towards understanding your relationship with food and seeking appropriate guidance or support if needed.

8. Are you a Food Addict?

There’s a significant difference between being an emotional eater and being a food addict, and I can’t emphasize it enough.

Food addiction involves a compulsive behavior towards eating specific types of food (often high in fat, sugar, or salt), akin to substance addiction, and is characterized by an inability to stop despite negative consequences. Emotional eating, on the other hand, is when individuals eat in response to feelings rather than hunger, using food as a way to manage emotions, which doesn’t necessarily involve addictive behaviors or cravings for specific types of food.

Try to answer the following questions to determine if you might be struggling with food addiction:

  1. Do you feel powerless over food?
  2. Has food made your life unmanageable?
  3. Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food and can’t stop?

If you answer “yes” to at least one of these questions, please remember that you are not alone. As you may know from my story, I struggled with food addiction for many years but eventually found recovery and regained a healthy relationship with food. There is hope and a solution, and many others share this journey with you!

Conclusion

Overeating is not simply a matter of willpower, but a complex issue interwoven with emotional, psychological, and physiological aspects. It’s important to approach it with honesty and compassion, acknowledging the struggle without judgment. Reaching out for help, whether to a professional or a supportive community, can provide invaluable tools and insights. Addressing underlying emotions and mental health is a crucial part of the journey, as emotional wellness is intrinsically linked to physical health. Remember, you are not alone in this journey and there are effective strategies and resources to help you navigate through it. Above all, it’s important to be patient with yourself and maintain a holistic view of wellness. Your journey to overcoming overeating and achieving overall wellness is a testament to your dedication, integrity, compassion, and the support you have around you. Remember, progress is not linear, and every step you take, no matter how small, is worthwhile.

References and Resources

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM 5. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
  • Avena, N. M., et al. (2008). Evidence for sugar addiction: Behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 32(1), 20-39.
  • Bacon, L. (2010). Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight. BenBella Books.
  • Chao, A., Grey, M., Whittemore, R., Reuning-Scherer, J., Grilo, C. M., & Sinha, R. (Year). Examining the mediating roles of binge eating and emotional eating in the relationships between stress and metabolic abnormalities.
  • Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 7). Overeating
  • Curb Emotional Eating: Embrace a whole food diet, Alive Magazine, pages 131-133.
  • Dallman, M. F., Pecoraro, N., Akana, S. F., et al. (2003). Chronic stress and obesity: A new view of “comfort food”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100(20), 11696-11701. 
  • EatingDisorders.com. (n.d.). Overeating.
  • Epel, E., Lapidus, R., McEwen, B., & Brownell, K. (2001). Stress may add bite to appetite in women: a laboratory study of stress-induced cortisol and eating behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 26(1), 37-49.
  • Gearhardt, A. N., et al. (2011). The neural basis of hyperpalatable foods: implications for obesity prevention. In P. R. Montague et al. (Eds.), Obesity (pp. 265-292). Springer.
  • Lowe, M. R., & Levine, A. S. (2005). Eating motives and the controversy over dieting: Eating less than needed versus less than wanted. Obesity Research, 13(5), 797-806.
  • Mayo Clinic. (2023, March 28). Eating disorders
  • Maidenberg, M. P. (2021, January 5). Why do you overeat? Knowing why is the start to making the lifelong changes you truly want. Psychology Today
  • Moraes, C. E. F. de, Antunes, M. M. L., Mourilhe, C., Sichieri, R., Hay, P., & Appolinario, J. C. (2023). Food consumption during binge eating episodes in binge eating spectrum conditions from a representative sample of a Brazilian metropolitan city. Nutrients, 15(7), 1573. 
  • O’Connor, D. B., Jones, F., Conner, M., McMillan, B., & Ferguson, E. (2008). Effects of daily hassles and eating style on eating behavior. Health Psychology, 27(1S), S20-S31. 
  • Oliver, G., Wardle, J., & Gibson, E. L. (2000). Stress and food choice: A laboratory study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(6), 853-865.
  • Overeating: the health risks. A M Prentice. PubMed. PMID: 11707547 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2001.124
  • Wardle, J., Steptoe, A., Oliver, G., & Lipsey, Z. (2000). Stress, dietary restraint and food intake. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 48(2), 195-202.
  • Yau, Y. H. C., & Potenza, M. N. (2013). Stress and eating behaviors. Minerva Endocrinol, 38(3), 255-267.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can Overeating Make You Sick?

Yes, overeating can lead to physical discomfort and symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, gas, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, and a feeling of tiredness or sluggishness. If these symptoms persist for more than a day or worsen over a week, it’s advisable to contact a healthcare provider​.

When to Seek Professional Help for Emotional Eating?

If self-help strategies don’t help in controlling emotional eating, it’s advisable to seek therapy with a mental health professional. Therapy can aid in understanding the reasons behind emotional eating, teach coping skills, and help determine if there’s an associated eating disorder​​.

How to Share My Overeating Problem with the Family?

Sharing your struggle with overeating with your family can be a significant step in getting support and understanding. Here are some suggestions on how to approach this:

Choose a Comfortable Time and Place: Select a time when your family is not busy or stressed. A quiet and private setting where you won’t be interrupted is ideal.

Plan What to Share: Reflect on what you want to express. You might want to share how overeating affects you, what you think triggers it, and how you feel about it. It’s not necessary to have all the answers; just sharing your experience is a big step.

Speak from Your Perspective: Use “I” statements to express your feelings. This can help prevent your family from feeling blamed or defensive. For example, “I feel overwhelmed by my eating habits and would appreciate your support.”

Educate About Overeating: There’s a chance your family might not fully understand overeating and its complexities. Provide some basic explanations about emotional eating, its triggers, and how it’s different from simply eating too much now and then.

Express Your Need for Support: Clearly state how your family can support you. This could be through emotional support, not commenting on your eating habits, or helping to create a healthier home environment.

Be Prepared for Mixed Reactions: Family members might respond in various ways. Some may be immediately supportive, while others may need time to understand. Be prepared for this range of reactions.

Invite Questions and Dialogue: Encourage your family members to ask questions and share their thoughts. This can foster understanding and make them feel involved in your journey.

Suggest Resources for More Information: Offering resources such as this or other articles, websites, or books about overeating can help your family gain a better understanding of your experience. At the end of this article, there is a list of helpful resources for you to check out. 

Consider Professional Help: If discussing this issue is challenging, or if your family has difficulty understanding, you might find it helpful to have a professional, like a therapist or a dietitian, facilitate or be part of the conversation.

Express Gratitude for Their Support: Acknowledge and thank your family for listening and supporting you. Recognizing their effort can strengthen your mutual bond.

Remember, the goal is to foster understanding and support, not to find an immediate solution to overeating. Be patient with yourself and your family as you navigate this conversation.

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