28th October 2022
We know the simple solution is to reduce intake and increase energy expelled. In other words, eat less and move more. But like any other habit or addictive behaviour for some people, it is not easy to reverse the behaviour.
There is often a combination of factors that result in poor eating habits. For example, food is a very convenient and legal substance. It can provide comfort, distraction, and enjoyment – it can help temporarily escape life’s stresses. Food can be given as a reward and it can be celebrated. All these are acceptable and understandable until they become obsessive, destructive and unhealthy resulting in excess weight gain.
Destructive eating behaviours may include bingeing, eating more food in a short space of time than would be recommended to be healthy, rapid eating, and eating in secret— emotional eating, eating to cope with difficult feelings or to avoid feelings altogether. Food addiction feeling unable to control certain food groups. Food choices usually are high in fat and sugar with little or no nutritional value.
To help with the obesity epidemic, we need to look at all these behaviours and the food we eat. It is vital to offer psychological and emotional interventions and examine the causes of obesity to look at an individual’s requirements and help them flourish without relying on destructive eating behaviours and poor food choices. In other words, not just eat less and move more but learn to change thought processes and behaviours, understand yourself, apply healthy coping strategies and most importantly, be kind to yourself. We offer this in our specialist Therapy Groups for all food-related problems.
Call us – 0300 365 0304 or Get Help