I think I have a problem with overeating. What can I do?
-
Maya*
The first thing to do is to figure out if your overeating is
something that happens occasionally or all of the time. 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. Try not to 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. Teens with binge eating disorder feel a
compulsion (a powerful urge) to overeat. They regularly eat
unusually 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.
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.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2006
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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
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