Emotions can trigger overeating

Editor's note: This is the second column in a two-part series.

Last week we began talking about the struggle we all share to eat healthfully and to control our weight. We briefly explored both the physical and social influences on what, when and how much we eat.

This week we'll turn to the emotional factors that affect our use of food. More than any other influence, our emotions seem to sabotage our eating be­havior.

There are four basic emotional influences to consider. First, many of us eat as a reward. When I was a kid I got a Coke at the fountain next door each time I was "good" at the dentist's. To this day an ice cold fountain Coke makes me feel good.

Food - often sweets - is frequently used as a reward for children. And subconsciously we continue to use it to lift ourselves up, to help us feel good, as adults. If we find ourselves heading for the fridge when we are down in the dumps - that's reward eating.

Second, eating can be used to reduce stress. Often meals have been a calm, peaceful and secure interlude in our lives. It's easy, then, to get in the habit of eating - and overeating - during stressful periods in an effort to re­capture some of that tranquillity. When the sweet display at the coffee shop down the block becomes a daily escape from the office mania - that's probably stress eating.

Eating also can fill space, our third influence. Buying, fixing and eating food takes time. The actions give us something to do. If we feel bored, uneasy or lonely, or if we are trying to avoid something that needs to be done, then getting in­volved in eating is an interesting, secure and distracting activity.

Finally, emotional eating and overeating can be due to our own sense of worthlessness as people. If we are convinced that we are unattractive and unpopular, we can overeat to live down to our own expectations. It's safer that way.

We use our weight as a means of discouraging others from getting to know us because we are sure they won't like what they get to know. Or we may be afraid we can't handle the changes in our life that might result from controlling our eating, so we continue to overeat to avoid such changes.

All in all, then, our eating and overeating behavior is a result of a complex interplay of many different factors. And each of us is unique in what lies behind the way we eat.

One thing is sure for all of us - any weight control program that doesn't take into account the reasons behind our eating is doomed to failure. We need to tune into our real physical needs, the social pressures and the emotional dynamics involved.

Some people are able to do this on their own - and more power to them. Others of us need a bit of help.

I discourage people from using the fad diets or drugs promoted heavily on television and radio and in magazines. I do recommend any of the medically and psychologically designed group programs that stress nutrition, exercise and mental health.

Whatever method of controlling weight we use, we want to avoid seeing it as un­pleasant but temporary shock treatment to our waistline. Healthy eating habits are a long-term lifestyle. It's hard but necessary work for all of us who want a long term in this life.

• Dr. Ken Potts is on the staff of Samaritan Counseling Center in Naperville and Downers Grove. He is the author of "Mix Don't Blend, A Guide to Dating, Engagement and Remarriage With Children."