For those struggling with emotional eating, Padma Bhushan-nominated nutritionist Dr. Archita Mahajan has a stark warning—don’t rely on dieting pills, as they won’t deliver results. People who eat due to stress, happiness, or overwhelming emotions should steer clear of such drugs.
Dr. Archita Mahajan, a nutrition dietitian, child care homeopathic pharmacist, and certified yoga teacher honored by the Punjab government, explains that emotional eating is a condition where individuals turn to food to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom, or even joy. Physically hungry or not, the urge strikes for high-sugar, high-fat junk foods. A little rain? Whip up pakoras and chai. Good news? Time for sweets. Watching a cricket match? Down five to ten packets of chips with two or three bottles of cold drinks.
According to the doctor, weight loss drugs suppress physical hunger but do nothing for emotional cravings. You might eat less regular food, but stress still leads to snacking on chips or chocolate. The result? Calorie goals miss the mark, weight loss stalls, or pounds creep back on.
How to Manage Emotional Eating:
- Start with Protein-Packed Breakfast: Keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
- Ditch Unhealthy Foods: Stop buying them and keep them out of sight. Stock healthy alternatives instead.
- Build Healthy Coping Habits: Use meditation and good food routines to handle fatigue, boredom, or stress—curbing cravings before they start.
- Share Your Emotions: Talk to someone close or consult a psychiatrist if needed. Stay aware of emotional eating’s harms to avoid impulsive binges.
- Involve Loved Ones: Educate your partner or family so they can support you and stop your hand from reaching for snacks.
Dr. Mahajan emphasizes that the real fix lies in mindset shifts and habits, not pills. Adopt a healthy lifestyle for lasting weight control.
