Overeating

Eating after you are full (overeating) is common among people. In most cases, we overeat at parties, family gatherings, or holidays. However, overeating may contribute to some serious health conditions. For example, obesity, eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa), and others.

Unfortunately, continuing to eat after you are full may become a habit that, over time, contributes to some conditions. However, overeating is not a type of binge eating disorder. Generally, overeating occurs very commonly, and it is biological. For example, when you are stressed, the body begins to produce more of a hormone called Cortisol. This process can make you find food, especially those high in sugar, fat, or salt.

However, there are other factors that contribute to overeating. These include how fast and what you eat, when you eat, and others. Furthermore, overeating may also cause stomach pain and indigestion. It may also negatively affect the body’s ability to regulate hunger.

Symptoms

Check below some symptoms that people often experience when overeating:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Bloating
• Acid reflux
• Stomach pain
• Sluggishness and tiredness

Sometimes, people may also have other symptoms that are not related to overeating. If the symptoms you experience last more than a few days, it is recommended to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

How Long Will The Symptoms Last?

Usually, the discomfort caused by overeating goes away in several hours. To reduce this time, you should perform some physical exercise and drink water.

Causes

In general, there are multiple causes of overeating. Examples include:

• Emotional eating – A lot of people are more likely to eat in times of stress or if they are in a bad mood, tired, bored, or sad. Furthermore, eating causes the brain to release endorphins (feel-good hormones). Generally, eating feels good for many people, which we can do when we are overwhelmed or burnt out.
• Preferred foods – In some cases, it is difficult to stop eating foods you love. For example, French fries, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, and others.
• Highly processed foods – You can also be encouraged to eat foods that are processed and have added flavors. Most people can eat them even if they are not hungry.
• Time of day – Mostly, people overeat in the evenings because the body needs energy.
• Social situations – Most people overeat on holidays, for sporting events, and to connect with family and friends. Usually, people are more distracted, nervous, or feel pressure to eat in social situations rather than when they are hungry.
• Large portions – You are more likely to overeat when you are at a restaurant or eating buffet.
• Some medicines – There are some medications that can make you less likely to know when you are full. If you notice you are overeating due to some medicines, discuss it with your doctor.
• Diseases – The following health conditions may also contribute to overeating. These include premenstrual syndrome, atypical depression, anxiety, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and Kleine-Levin syndrome.

Complications

Usually, overeating does not cause any complications or health problems, but it may contribute to some serious health conditions, especially if you are overeating frequently. Check some examples below:

• Metabolic diseases – In general, people who overeat are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Some types of cancer (including colon cancer)
• Gastrointestinal problems – For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, gastroparesis, and others.
• Joint and chronic pain
• Low self-esteem
• Isolation
• Depression and anxiety

This article does not contain a full list of overeating complications. However, you can consult with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of developing them.

Is There a Way to Prevent Overeating?

One of the primary reasons why we overeat is that it feels good. Check below some tips that may help you stop overeating:

• Limit social media
• Avoid or limit salty foods and alcoholic drinks
• Add to your diet more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Manage stress levels and chronic health conditions (such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and others)
• Eat slowly and mindfully
• Regularly perform physical exercise – You should aim for 30 minutes of physical exercise, at least 5 days a week.
• Plan your holiday celebrations earlier in the day

Treatment

If you overeat, feeling shame or blaming yourself would not help you feel better. However, doctors may recommend some things that can get you back on track. These include:

• Moderate physical exercise – These exercises often help reduce gas and regulate blood sugar.
• Drink plenty of fluids – The digestive system needs more water to process the extra foods.
• Herbal teas – These include peppermint, chamomile, and ginger, which often help with digestion and reduce gas.
• Over-the-counter medicines – Doctors may recommend Antacids to ease heartburn and indigestion.

However, antacids may give you some adverse reactions, especially if they are used in high amounts. Examples include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Changes in the poop color
• Stomach cramps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can overeating make you sick?

While overeating can cause nausea and vomiting, it may also contribute to certain serious health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes).

Will overeating cause weight gain?

If you are overeating frequently, it may lead to weight gain. You should perform some light to moderate physical exercise and drink water if you are eating food after you are full.

How do you know when you have overeaten?

Generally, overeating occurs when you continue to eat even though you are full. Usually, it is difficult to determine when exactly you should stop eating, especially if you are eating quickly or are busy with other things. Typically, the body regulates hunger with hormonal signals. This hormone is called ghrelin, and it makes you hungry. Moreover, when you are full, the body produces a hormone called leptin that tells you you are full.

In most cases, overeating causes the overriding of these signals, which disrupts the balance of these hormones. Sometimes, you may notice you are overeating after 20 minutes. In such cases, people often experience tiredness and stomach upset. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare provider.