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YOU CAN LOOSE WEIGHT
Why People Overeat
Overeating usually fills a need
- or at least is viewed as doing so. The possible needs, real or
imaginary, are many. Some people overeat to compensate for an
unpleasant experience. Others eat excessively to reward
themselves, or possibly for self-entertainment. Some want to be
noticed, and may use a large body to offset a small ego. Eating is
used to compensate for the lack of love, to offset fear, to overcome
frustration, to deal with boredom, or sometimes even to avoid sex.
Helpful to the therapist are
lists answering such questions as WHEN overeating usually takes place -
what psychological or emotional activity is associated with excess
eating, and what usual time of day or night. WHERE the overeating
is one is important - at home, at parties, in restaurants, while
watching television, etc. And WHY (for what purpose or to satisfy
what need) is also a factor in understanding the problem.
The consideration of the
above-mentioned matters leads to the establishment of three goals: to
achieve the desired weight loss; to maintain the desired weight once it
is achieved; to adopt permanently the new habit patterns that make the
first two goals possible.
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