What Are Weight Issues?
If you’re currently trying to lose weight, you’re not alone. Millions of individuals fall into the cycle of losing and regaining weight, commonly referred to as yo-yo dieting. Despite what the $20 billion weight-loss industry promotes, fad diets and one-size-fits-all solutions often fail. More importantly, excess body weight doesn’t just impact physical health—it affects your brain, too. In fact, studies show that as waist size increases, brain volume can decrease, elevating the risk for cognitive decline and various chronic diseases due to increased inflammation.
Who is Impacted by Weight Problems?
According to the CDC, approximately 69% of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese, with more than 79 million Americans falling into the obesity category. Alarming trends show that 1 in 3 children are overweight, and 17% are obese. This is a growing epidemic affecting people across all age groups.
Recognizing the Symptoms
One primary indicator of unhealthy weight is Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Healthy BMI: 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: 25 – 29.9
- Obese: 30 – 39.9
- Morbidly Obese: 40+
- Homelessness
- Financial hardship or poverty
- Strained or broken relationships
- Unemployment
- Academic failure or dropout
- Substance misuse
- Anxiety and specific phobias
- Clinical depression
- Social isolation
- Self-injury or suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Why Do Traditional Diets Fail?
Most diet plans ignore a crucial piece of the puzzle—the brain. Based on brain imaging studies, there are five distinct types of overeaters, each with unique neurological patterns and triggers. Identifying your overeating type is key to creating a tailored, sustainable weight-loss strategy.
Health Risks of Untreated Weight Issues
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders fall under the broader category of psychotic disorders and vary in severity, duration, and symptom presentation. Despite their differences, these conditions typically involve a combination of the following symptom categories:
Types of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk for:
Depression and Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Bipolar Disorder
Agoraphobia
Low Self-Esteem
Alzheimer’s and Stroke
Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Addiction and Suicidal Thoughts
The 5 Types of Overeaters
These individuals become mentally fixated on food and often feel powerless to resist it, especially at night. Common traits include:
Persistent thoughts about eating
Difficulty letting go of worries
Rigid or inflexible mindset
Argumentative behavior
Obsessive tendencies
They benefit from learning strategies to break repetitive thought loops and manage worry effectively.
Impulsive overeaters don’t obsess over food but struggle to resist temptation when they encounter it. Traits include:
Trouble resisting treats or second helpings
Poor impulse control
Difficulty staying committed to a plan
This type is often seen in individuals with ADD/ADHD, which is linked to low dopamine levels. Other causes may include brain injuries, toxic exposure, or caffeine overuse. Enhancing dopamine and strengthening prefrontal cortex function is essential for treatment.
These individuals display both impulsive and compulsive traits—thinking about food constantly and acting without restraint. Often found in:
People with bulimia
Those with a family history of addiction
Individuals who obsess about food but also binge impulsively
They require a dual-approach plan to balance impulsivity and obsessive thinking.
This type uses food to soothe emotional pain, sadness, and low self-worth. They often experience:
Depression or low mood
Loneliness and boredom
Chronic fatigue
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
Seasonal affective disorder
Women are more commonly affected. Targeting emotional well-being and brain chemistry is key for this group.
These individuals turn to food to relieve feelings of anxiety, fear, or chronic tension. Common symptoms include:
Nail biting, headaches, or stomachaches
Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
Muscle tightness
Constant worry and hyperawareness
Triggers such as caffeine, negative thinking, and alcohol can worsen anxiety and lead to stress eating. Addressing anxiety and calming the nervous system are crucial for lasting results.