Experts opine that “eating” can reduce stress and worries about self-worth. It has been further reported that obese people can gain weight on the loss of a loved one by death or divorce. So much to your realization, you could be gaining extra pounds as a result of the underlying tensions in your head.
The “night eating syndrome” which is usually characterized by binge eating or overeating in the wee hours of the night or late evenings is said to be an outcome or response to stress and anxiety. This tendency to overeat due to emotional tensions is common in both men and women.
Dr. Frank J Bruno in his book “Think Yourself Thin” writes that obesity exists in the form of a passive subdued anger or hostility against someone or some situation. For instance, a fat teen can land up eating 2 helpings of dessert to get even with her mother or overeat under the stress of any upcoming examination.
“Foods” can be and frequently used a “tranquilizer” or “pacifier” or “substitute” for love, affection and attention.
Stress comes down so hard on people that they are most of the times not aware of dealing it in the right way. To compensate for the loneliness one tends to unconsciously binge on the readily available and prepared foods stacked in the refrigerator or sit in front of the television screens and watch away a hilarious show.
The most obvious result of this irrational eating behavior is “attention”. Attention from friends, family and children which has a snowballing effect resulting in a tendency to eat more and more to get more attention and get fatter and fatter in the process.
Eventually as people gain wait on account of mental stress or tension, they also begin to shun social functions and gatherings. Reduced physical activity and decreased energy expenditure further contributes in gaining weight.
Under such circumstances, which are more often referred to as “eating disorders” need to medically addressed through a well-balanced diet and professional counseling. It is then a person can resume life on a more normal and healthy note without having to compromise on foods or relationships.
However, doctors and dietitians believe that most of the help comes from within the person who should have the willingness to be helped and to face his or her emotional burdens sincerely. If you recognize yourself to be a stress eater, seek professional assistance to tackle your fears and eating behavior to prevent constant weight gain.
