As a board certified obesity medicine physician, I have seen the impact that emotional eating can have on an individual’s physical and mental health.
Emotional eating is a pattern of using food as a way to cope with feelings, rather than as a means of satisfying hunger.
It is a common issue among those struggling with obesity, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall well-being.
Emotional eating can take many forms, from stress eating to comfort eating. It can be triggered by a wide range of emotions, including stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, and loneliness. Some individuals may turn to food as a way to cope with difficult or traumatic experiences. Others may use food as a way to numb or avoid difficult emotions.
The problem with emotional eating is that it can lead to excessive calorie intake and weight gain, which can increase the risk of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, emotional eating can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which can further contribute to negative emotions and a negative cycle of emotional eating.
The good news is that effective treatments for emotional eating do exist. A combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help individuals manage their emotional eating and improve their overall health. Therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can help individuals identify and address the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to their emotional eating. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight management, are also important components of treatment. This can include working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to develop a healthy eating plan that addresses the individual’s unique needs and preferences. As a physician with board certifications in obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine and internal medicine, I have a unique and thorough understanding of emotional eating and am able to provide comprehensive and effective treatment for it.
Emotional eating can be a difficult and overwhelming issue to address, but with the right support and treatment, individuals can learn to manage their emotional eating and improve their overall health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional eating, know that help is available and that recovery is possible. It’s also important to note that emotional eating is a complex issue that needs to be approached from a holistic perspective, considering the multiple dimensions of the problem. A multi-disciplinary approach can be beneficial in addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to the emotional eating and the body weight regulation.
We encourage you to reach out to us for more information.
Live well,
Dr. Aubre A. Weber | CEO & Founder of Synergy
Diplomate – American Board of Internal Medicine
Diplomate – American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Diplomate – American Board of Obesity Medicine