I think I have a problem with overeating. What can I do?
–
Maya*
The first thing is to figure out if your overeating is something that happens only
once in a while or often. We all eat too much every now and then, like on holidays.
But if you're overeating often, there are some things that might help you
avoid doing so. For example, instead of eating when you're not hungry, find other
ways to keep yourself busy, like taking a walk or talking on the phone. Put your food
on a plate or in a bowl and sit down at the table to eat — don't eat out of
a bag or container. And don't eat meals or snack while doing something else, like
watching TV or doing homework. That's a set-up for overeating!
Binge eating, also
called compulsive overeating, is different from simply overeating. People with binge
eating disorder feel a compulsion (a powerful urge) to overeat. They regularly eat
large amounts of food and don't stop eating when they become full. With binge eating,
a person feels out of control and powerless to stop eating while they're doing it.
Then, they may feel guilty or ashamed afterward.
If you think you may have an overeating problem, talk to a parent or doctor. Treatments
are available that can help you feel better about yourself and have a healthy relationship
with food.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Date reviewed: September 2019