Definition: Consuming large quantities of food in response to emotions, in place of hunger.

• 75% of overeating is in response to emotions
• Food brings comfort for emotional pain or discomfort
• Eating provides a short-term remedy for a long-term problem
• Social settings often increase overeating – others encourage you to do so.
• Some emotional issues that can result in overeating
  • Depression
  • Interpersonal or relationship difficulties
  • Anxiety
  • Boredom
  • Loneliness
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Negative self-talk
  • Stress
  • Intense Situations

Helpful strategies:

• Identify triggers, patterns and emotional thoughts when overeating (journaling or on a calendar)
• Seek counseling as needed with pastor, dietician, friend or other professional
• Use diversion to break the habit of overeating:
  • Walk, bike ride or other exercise
  • Run an errand
  • Call a friend
  • Have a bubble bath
  • Enjoy a cup of tea
  • Housework, yard work, wash a car, clean a closet
  • Get on the internet to friends, games
  • Occupy hands with knitting, etc
  • Write a note
  • Turn on music
  • Change your location from where you usually overeat
• Pray and seek scriptural support
• Use relaxation techniques