Identifying stressors and acting on them early can prevent binge eating, say specialists

Emotions often lead individuals to turn to food for comfort, according to Lakshmi Venkatraman, a consultant psychiatrist with Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services at SCARF. Dieting and strict food limitations also contribute to unhealthy eating habits. The cycle of emotional eating, guilt, low self-esteem, and subsequent binge eating is a common problem.

Venkatraman suggests simple approaches, such as eating regular meals with all types of food, including favorites in moderation, and being mindful during meals by focusing on the food and eating slowly. R.M. Anjana, the managing director of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, emphasizes the importance of regulating what one consumes.

She points out that persistent binge eating once a week for three months is a sign that intervention is necessary. Anjana highlights that diet and physical activity can prevent up to 50% of diabetes cases, with binge eating contributing to around 15-20% of type 2 diabetes. P. Praveen Raj, a bariatric surgeon at GEM Hospital and Research Centre in Coimbatore, focuses on moderating gut hormones that regulate satiety, appetite, and digestion.

The initial step involves taking a comprehensive medical history to identify potential hormonal imbalances or psychological factors contributing to obesity. By addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects, healthcare professionals can effectively tackle the root cause of overeating. The specialists discussed these issues during a webinar titled "The Binge: Learning to handle addictive behaviours," organized by The Hindu on Sunday. The webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl4wxf7_HRI.