Compulsive overeating is characterized by consuming large amounts of food without feeling hungry, often under the influence of emotional factors.
Psychologist Ksenia Zabaturina explains what compulsive overeating is and how to stop "emotional eating."
According to her, "emotional eating" is triggered by the production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters when eating tasty food, as the brain associates food with positive feelings. This causes a person to sometimes crave food even when they aren't physically hungry. Emotional states—stress, anxiety, boredom, and sadness—are also among the main causes of compulsive overeating, as food, in this case, is a way to combat negative emotions.
In addition, during stressful situations, the body produces the hormone cortisol, which contributes to increased appetite. This reaction is genetically determined and aims to conserve energy during times of danger, which leads to a need to eat more food.
The doctor points to the influence of conditioned responses that are embedded in a person from an early age. Many people associate early childhood food with comfort. When a child was sad, fell, or injured, they would receive candy. This created a conditioned association between their feelings and food intake.
However, according to her, the problem of overeating often arises due to irregular meals and strict diets, followed by breakdowns.
To solve this problem, she recommends following a balanced diet. It's important to eat mindfully, meaning focusing on the sensations of taste and the texture of food. She also recommends finding alternative ways to relieve stress through physical activity, hobbies, or communication.