Health Library

America has a weight problem. More than one-third of U.S. adults are classified as
overweight or obese. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Overeating is at the heart of this troubling trend. And, in some cases, you may overeat
as a desperate attempt to answer emotional needs.

How can you address your emotional needs in healthier ways? Try these tips:

• Look for responses to emotional discomfort other than food. The next time you’re feeling
  blue, take a long walk. Exercise can elevate your mood by changing your body’s chemistry.

• Address your feelings. Be willing to recognize and address unpleasant emotions instead
  of avoiding them with distractions such as eating.

• Stop and think before you dig into that next bowl of ice cream. Ask yourself: “Do
  I really want to eat this? Am I even hungry?”

• Keep an eating journal to write down your daily food intake. This will help you become
  more conscious of your eating patterns.

• Change your diet. Eating healthy foods can help decrease stress and even out your
  moods.

• If you don’t feel confident about your ability to stop overeating, seek professional
  counseling.

And remember: You’re not alone. Millions of other Americans struggle with this problem.