Definition

• The meaning of overeating is to gorge, overindulge, over-gorge, binge, pig out or scarf out. Overeating is usually referred to as eating too much at one sitting or eating too much in general and usually to the point that you are uncomfortable. Other resources claim overeating is one of the deadly sins and is usually a behavior that isn't necessarily a medical problem, but can lead to other health problems.
  
  

Reasons

• Some feel overeating may have more to do with psychological reasons rather than hunger. There may be an underlying reason someone would still eat even though he is full. Some common reasons why people overeat are boredom, feeling deprived or disgusted with your body, glucose intolerance, force of habit, a lack of energy, needing comfort, feeling overwhelmed or upset, a lack of willpower, or a feeling of pleasure from food.
  
  

Treatments

• If you feel that you may be an overeater, there are plenty of support groups and other forms of treatments to help you deal with the problem. You can find food coaches who will help you make healthier choices while showing you how to control your portions. There are online support groups you can get involved with in the privacy of your own home. Hypnosis is a popular form of treatment that helps you conquer bad eating habits such as eating when you are bored, comfort and emotional eating, and binge eating. Hundreds of books out there can help you deal with overeating ("Conquer Emotional Eating to Lose Weight" by Richard Kuhns and "Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Then We Think" by Brian Wansink, just to name a couple).
  
  

Warnings

• In many cases, overeating can lead to binge eating or bulimia. Overeating almost always leads to severe obesity and many other weight-related health problems, too. It can lead to metabolic diseases, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. If you continue to overeat, you can send mixed signals to your brain, making you think you're hungry when you are not; and this can cause your brain to not know when you are full. Overeating can also disturb your sleep cycles and can push your body chemistry into red alert. This means that the foods you are overindulging on can turn directly into fat in your body.
  
  

Expert Insight

• According to experts like the Surgeon General, you can overcome overeating by doing a few things on your own. Eat slowly and make sure you chew thoroughly. If you eat slowly, signals will be sent to your brain letting you know when you are satisfied much sooner then if you gobble your food down quickly. Be aware of what you are eating and don't eat when you are driving or working on the computer. Take pleasure in what you are eating and make your first bites count. According to experts this is when your taste buds are at their peak and really enjoy what you are eating. Finally, eat foods that are satisfying such as high fiber, high protein and water-based foods. These tend to fill you up faster than carbohydrate-dense foods that leave you feeling sluggish and hungry quicker.