Why Do We Eat Too Much?

America has a weight problem. More than half of us are classified as overweight, say officials at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Overeating is at the heart of this troubling statistic and, for many, at the heart of overeating is a desperate attempt to answer emotional needs.

"These days, a lot of people are overeating out of depression, anxiety, loneliness, boredom or feelings of emptiness," says Timothy L. Byrd, M.D., a psychiatrist in Ocala, Fla. "But the problem with trying to fill an emotional need with food is that it leads straight to obesity."

How can overeaters address their emotional needs in healthier ways? Here are a few tips from Dr. Byrd:

• Look for responses to emotional discomfort other than food. The next time you're feeling blue, take a long walk or play tennis. Exercise can elevate your mood by changing your body's chemistry.

• Stop and think before you dig into that next bowl of ice cream. Ask yourself: "Do I really want to eat this? Am I even hungry?" Explains Dr. Byrd: "It's a little easier to deal with compulsive eating patterns once we understand that we're using this 'instant gratification' in order to supplant other emotional needs."

• Keep an "Eating Journal" to write down your daily food intake as a way of becoming more conscious of your eating patterns.

• If you don't feel confident about your ability to stop overeating, seek professional counseling.

And remember: You're not alone: Millions of other Americans struggle with this problem.