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Weight Loss and Psychology: Why Eating when I am Not Hungry

Written by: Gunborg Palme, certified psychologist and certified psychotherapist, teacher and tutor in psychotherapy.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 09 Aug 2008.

Abstract:

Weight loss and psychology are related. You eat to suppress unpleasant feelings. By allowing these feelings to come forward, you can learn to live with them without overeating.

Question:

Why do I eat although I don't feel hungry?

Answer:

You can get the best answer to your question if some time you avoid eating when you are not hungry, but want to eat all the same. You will then discover what the unpleasant feelings are which you try to avoid by eating. Those who eat despite a lack of physical hunger often do it in order to reduce anxiety or other unpleasant feelings. It is also common to eat when you are exposed to temptations by delicious food within reach.

How does the brain transfer other feelings to hunger?
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