4 of 36

Write now Article Tools

EMOTIONAL EATING

Eating disorders come in many shapes and forms, and that was not intended to be a pun. Many are associated with physical problems, though many happen because of emotional inner struggles that both men and women encounter in their everyday life.

OBESITY

Obesity is on the increase. Much of this is because of the kind of diets that people eat these days, and the general acceptance of fast foods. The dangers of obesity are numerous, although obesity caused by emotional problems really do pose difficulties for both families and professionals because in order to treat this kind of obesity, it is necessary to look into the reasons why a human being eats too much.

Rebellion

Rebellion sounds like a light hearted attempt by someone to be rebellious, though in eating, it means much more than this. Someone who is constantly chided for their choices of what they eat will rebel because pride tells them that it is the only way of proving others wrong. They know in their heart of heart that what they are doing to their bodies is wrong, although tell themselves all the affirmations that make this behavior acceptable. They tell themselves that they enjoy being fat. They tell themselves that it is normal to be bigger than others, and they go through a period of denial that allows them to continue to binge eat.

Dealing with people that are of this category is very difficult. We are told to be sympathetic to people that are fat. Society insists on being polite because it's the 'nice' thing to do, although every time we show them that they are normal and that it's OK to be the way they are, what we are doing effectively is reinforcing their reasons to eat so much.

Telling people like this that they are wrong and gross doesn't work either as rebellious people are prone to ignore both extremes. Those that approve and those that disapprove of the way they are treating their bodies. The only route to take that works is taking the stance somewhere in between the two extremes, and instead of praise or derision, helping the person to realize their best potential by explaining in a simple manner how they could improve themselves, and what fatty foods could be replaced by setting example ourselves and encouraging them, admitting that we have our faults too. On an equal footing, the rebellious person will see reason much easier, and be glad that you are willing to be there beside them every step of the way, doing what you are asking them to do, and that indeed you care enough to

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Dealing with emotional eating?
We want to hear your view. Write now!