Secondary Benefits to Overeating (Part I)

How many of us want to lose weight and then wonder why it doesn't happen? Another equal or greater part of us seems to sabotage our desire. In hypnotherapy, we identify the part that opposes you losing the weight as having a secondary motive of it's own which can often be greater than the desire to be slim! We identify these motives to remain overweight and continue overeating as good intended secondary benefits or payoffs!

I always try to help clients see the good intention of the part that wants to overeat. It really is trying to do something good for you! For many, it is a needed stress relief and even a comfort. Think about how most of us were programmed as children to be comforted by our parents during times of stress. How often were you given a bottle or a cookie to stop crying even though you weren't hungry?

No wonder overeating is the most difficult addiction to break! Our subconscious mind thinks that is soothing us, comforting us, calming us down with the food. One of the most important aspects of long-term weight loss can be making a shift in your thinking about "comfort" foods and how you comfort yourself during times of stress.

Becoming aware of times when you go to the food and you aren't really hungry is the first step! The second step would be to develop a set of alternative coping skills that you can use instead of overeating when you feel hungry. I will discuss more of the common reasons we continue to overeat and some solutions in part II of this article.