Food is more than nourishment it is entwined in all cultures as comfort, tradition and reward. It is often a meal with others, together with family and friends.
Overeating is common and the physical consequences of weight gain, diabetes and heart disease are part of the NHS education to the public to raise awareness. There is little about the psychological forces at play with overeating or the psychological effects of overeating.
Semaglutide (Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for obesity) can help people lose weight. It acts through insulin regulation.
However, what about the shame and guilt of overeating? This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Some people will judge and consider that overweight people have little self-control. Stress and other emotions can lead to overeating. How about people who do not have a healthy body-image?
Semaglutide can suppress the appetite and make it easier to manage cravings. This can reduce the preoccupation with food and enable them to focus on other thoughts. The weight loss can lead to improved self-esteem.
There are concerns as to what happens when the drug is stopped. There are therefore concerns about dependency (psychological as well as physical).
While semaglutide can help manage the physical act of overeating, it does not address the underlying emotional triggers. There needs to be a therapeutic intervention, the emotional dependence on food may resurface if the medication is stopped or if coping mechanisms are not developed.
Rapid weight loss can trigger body image issues or anxieties related to maintaining the weight loss. Some individuals may develop anxieties around eating or feel a loss of control in a different way as their body responds to the medication.
Relying solely on medication without addressing the psychological aspects can lead to a superficial understanding of the eating patterns. A comprehensive approach that includes therapy, nutritional counselling, and mindful eating practices is often more sustainable and addresses the root causes of overeating.
The conversation around weight loss medications can be complex, with societal pressures and judgments potentially impacting an individual’s self-perception and mental well-being.
Overeating is not about willpower, and treating it is not about medication. We need to understand the deeply personal emotional currents that drive our eating habits.
A sustainable change often requires a combination of tools: medical support and therapy.
Working with a therapist can help identify and address the emotional triggers behind overeating, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build a more positive relationship with food and the body.
A registered dietitian can provide guidance on balanced eating, mindful eating techniques, and developing a sustainable and healthy relationship with food that goes beyond just calorie restriction.
Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, savouring food, and reducing distractions during meals can help break the cycle of mindless overeating.
Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.