Overeating is a common problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be caused by a range of factors, from emotional triggers to societal pressure to eat more. In order to raise awareness about this issue, the month of April has been designated as Overeating Awareness Month. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what overeating is, why it's important to raise awareness about it, and what you can do to help.
Defining Overeating
Overeating is defined as consuming more food than your body needs for energy. This can lead to weight gain, which in turn can lead to a range of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Overeating can be caused by a variety of factors, including emotional triggers such as stress or anxiety, social pressure to eat more than you need, and biological factors such as hormonal imbalances.
Why Overeating Awareness Matters
Overeating is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. By raising awareness about this problem, we can help people understand the risks associated with overeating and encourage them to take steps to maintain a healthy weight. Here are some of the reasons why overeating awareness matters:
Health Risks: Overeating can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. By raising awareness about the risks associated with overeating, we can help people understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
Emotional Wellbeing: Overeating can also have a negative impact on our emotional wellbeing. Many people overeat as a way to cope with stress or anxiety, which can lead to a cycle of emotional eating. By raising awareness about overeating, we can help people understand the link between their emotions and their eating habits.
Social Pressure: Social pressure to eat more than we need can be a major factor in overeating. By raising awareness about this issue, we can help people understand that it's okay to say no to food when they're full.
What You Can Do for Help
If you're concerned about overeating, there are several things you can do to help raise awareness about this issue while also seeking support:
Share Information: I know this can feel vulnerable and personal, but talking to your partner, your closest friend, or your doctor can be a way to take initial steps in seeking support. Sometime just discussing can take pressure off of you if it has not been shared before
Lead by Example: For those who have been able to break the cycle of overeating, this may be the time to share with others what has worked for you.
Support Others: If you know someone who is struggling with overeating, offer your support and encouragement. Let them know that they're not alone and that there are resources available to help them.
Overeating Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the risks associated with overeating. By working together, we can help people understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and taking steps to prevent overeating.
When Overeating Is a Symptom of Something else
Overeating can also be associated with a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has categorized binge eating as a stand alone psychiatric diagnosis. Overeating can create a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, up to 50% of people with binge eating disorder also have a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. Substance abuse disorders, particularly alcohol abuse, are also common among people with binge eating disorder, with up to 30% of people with this condition also having a substance use disorder.
In addition, research has shown that people with a history of trauma are more likely to develop binge eating disorder. Up to 30% of people with binge eating disorder have a history of trauma compared to 9% of the general population.
Treatment Options for Binge Eating
Treatment options for binge eating disorder typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy used to treat binge eating disorder. CBT helps people learn how to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and eating.
Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be used to treat binge eating disorder, particularly when there is an underlying mood or anxiety disorder.
Lifestyle changes, such as improving eating habits and increasing physical activity, are also an important part of treatment for binge eating disorder. Eating regular, balanced meals and avoiding restrictive diets can help reduce the urge to binge eat. Regular exercise can also help improve mood and reduce stress, both of which can trigger binge eating episodes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating or other eating disorders, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Greg Roussett is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering treatment for anxiety, depression, and treats clients with a history of binge eating disorder. He is a cognitive behavioral therapist, psychopharmacologist (prescribing practices similar to a psychiatrist ), and offers a combination of psychotherapy and medication management to individuals experiencing depression. His office is located in Rockridge in Oakland, CA and provides services across the bay area to those residing in cities inclusive of Piedmont, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, and San Francisco. One of his primary specialties is working with those looking for help with bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, insomnia, panic disorder, and depression. Book a complimentary consultation today here.