Revealed -- why we overeat

If you cannot resist the sweets kept in your refrigerator and crave for food even after a sumptuous meal, you could be a victim of overeating, warn health experts. Stress, long hours of starvation and the wide variety of food options available in the market contribute to overeating, they say. Listing the various reasons that lead to overeating, dietitian Akshita Aggarwal told : 'Usually, when people feel emotional, stressed, are under any trauma or have any discomfort, they tend to eat a lot.' (Read: If you're stressed, stay away from these foods!)

She added that sometimes people overeat when there is a long gap between two meals. 'Some people eat more to feel better and overcome trauma,' Aggarwal added. Agreed Divya Choudhary, chief dietitian, Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. 'Apart from overeating, stress can also cause under-eating. Under eating leads to hair fall, calcium deficiency, less immunity, lack of glow on the face and anemia,' Choudhary added. (Read: 5 natural remedies to beat stress (Gallery))

However, Pawan Sethi, nutritionist at Dr. Rachna's Diet in Mansarovar Garden, said that the percentage of people who eat when stressed is lower. 'Rather, people these days earn well and have more affordable food options to select from. Also, the number of outings have increased where they end up eating more junk which leads to their being overweight,' added Sethi.
Experts add that skipping or having a late breakfast is also a reason for being overweight. 'These days, people leave for work early and by the time they have their food, it gets late. Since they have not eaten a proper meal, they are extremely hungry and end up eating anything which comes in front of them,' Choudhary told . (Read: Eat tulsi leaves to beat stress naturally)

Aggarwal said that the few symptoms associated with overeating include 'eating more rapidly than normal, depression or mood swings, abnormal eating patterns, history of weight fluctuations, unsuccessful diets and obesity'. 'The main effect of overeating is overweight, which can further lead to various medical complications,' concurred Choudhary. 'Apart from weight gain, overeating can also lead to increase in the percentage of fat, indigestion, and loose motions. Harmonal imbalance usually seen in females gives rise to irregular menstruation, facial growth, hair fall and PCOS,' Aggarwal told . (Read: Beat stress, fatigue and depression with laughter yoga)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder which affects women of reproductive age. Those affected suffer from numerous cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary. 'It is very important for women with PCOS to keep a tab on their weight as the condition leads to further medical complications,' added Choudhary. She added that though there is no particular age for a person to suffer from the condition, it can even start from a very young age. 'The condition is usually seen in youngsters as they eat more junk food, but even elders suffer from the same problem,' said Sethi. If compulsive overeating, characterized by excessive food consumption, is not treated it can lead to diseases like obesity, diabetics, heart disease, hypertension, depression, kidney disease and high cholesterol, said Aggarwal. (Read: 7 stress-busting foods you should include in your diet (Gallery))

Here are some common symptoms of stress

1. Weight gain: Yeah! If you don't want to put on extra kilos, just lead a stress-free life. High levels of stress hormones cause excess fat deposition irrespective of whether you're thin or fat. Also, a few people tend to overeat under stressful situations which cause the body to store more calories instead of burning them. Refer to our mega guide on weight loss.

2. Muscle tension: Hormones released during stress not only raise your blood pressure and heart rate but also cause your muscles to tighten up. Common muscle pain due to incorrect posture at work can worsen if you are stressed. Here are 10 effective tips to prevent back pain. Read more about what could muscle pain indicate.

3. Stomach ache: Butterflies or jitters in the stomach are not just a feeling of excitement or nervousness; they're a classic symptom of stress. Studies have shown a close connection between the stomach and the brain. As per a report published by Harvard Medical School, if you suffer from gastro-related disorders like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or acidity then your symptoms may worsen due to stress.

4. Hair fall: Chronic stress also causes sex hormones (androgens) to release. These hormones can interfere with your hair follicles causing temporary hair fall. This effect can last for anywhere between 3-6 months after a chronic stressful event. Here are some diet tips to control hair fall and some home remedies for hair fall.

5. Forgetfulness: If you just can't remember to perform a few daily tasks at work (that otherwise you would never forget) then you are definitely stressed. Cortisol, a hormone released during chronic stress can cause the hippocampus (part of the brain that controls short-term memory) to shrink which interferes with your brain's capacity to remember things. Target the root cause of your stress and you'll get your memory back. Read more about Which of these 10 symptoms of stress do you have?

With inputs from IANS

You may also like to read:

• Can stress cause diabetes? (Expert Interview)
• 20 expert tips to beat stress
• Which of these 10 symptoms of stress do you have?
• Beat stress, fatigue and depression with laughter yoga
• A mega-guide for understanding stress and dealing with it

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