Ways to Stop Overeating

While almost everyone overeats occasionally, overeating regularly and feeling powerless to stop even when you're full can indicate a binge eating disorder. Other symptoms include not recognizing physiological hunger cues, eating in times of emotional crisis and feeling disgusted with yourself after you overeat. Unlike bulimics, compulsive overeaters don't attempt to purge or exercise excessively to counter the binge. Left unchecked, a compulsive overeater's out-of-control eating habits can often lead to clinical depression and obesity.

Breakfast

• Don't give in to the temptation to skip breakfast, as this can encourage overeating incidents later on as your body struggles to make up for its perceived caloric deficit. Eating a healthy breakfast every day increases your metabolism, setting you up to burn calories more efficiently all day long. People who eat breakfast actually make healthier eating choices throughout the day, too.

Snacking

• Don't attempt to starve yourself. Eating several healthy snacks between meals throughout the day can actually help reduce incidences of binging. Buy pre-wrapped, single-serving healthy snacks or package single-serving snacks for yourself at home to bring to work. Keep snacks at about 100 calories per serving. Always snack consciously. Before you eat a snack, honestly assess whether you're actually hungry or if your desire to eat comes from an emotional source.

Shopping

• Avoid having temptation on hand by providing yourself with only healthy eating choices at home and at work. Select low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods instead of sugary, high-fat items. Stock up on fruits and vegetables. Don't keep lots of extra food around, even if you have to go shopping more often. Don't shop when you're hungry. Make a shopping list before you go and stick to the list, basing it on a healthy eating plan.

Psychotherapy

• Because compulsive overeating is often connected with emotional issues, individual or group psychotherapy can often help in addressing these underlying issues, thereby reducing or eliminating the incidences of overeating. Psychotherapy aims to help a binge eater recognize and obtain greater control over the triggers that cause her overeating, as well as reducing stress and improving interpersonal relationships and communication.

Medication

• Though no specific medications are available to treat binge eating yet, prescription antidepressants can help compulsive overeaters overcome symptoms of depression, which can in turn reduce overeating episodes. Other promising prescription medications for treating overeating include the appetite suppressant sibutramine, or Meridia, and an anti-seizure drug called topiramate, or Topamax. Medication and psychotherapy combined have the potential for greater efficacy than either treatment does on its own, according to Mayo Clinic.