The Pursuit of Weight Loss Paradox: How Restrictive Eating (and thinking!) Fuels Overeating

Restrictive eating, often a key component of intentional weight loss efforts, can activate binge and out-of-control eating behaviors due to a complex interplay of variables. This paradox is especially concerning for individuals vulnerable to, or living with, clinical eating disorders characterized by overeating. Ironically, efforts to lose weight can lead to weight gain over time, can perpetuate the harmful effects of weight cycling and can contribute to medical conditions linked with binge eating. Additionally, these behaviors can intensify psychopathology, including mood and anxiety disorder...Read mores. What initially may start as a pursuit of health and well-being can inadvertently fuel both physical and psychological distress over time.

Effectively addressing body dissatisfaction, a desire for weight loss and the [often associated] overeating behaviors necessitates a shift away from restrictive eating (and thinking). Instead, a focus on maintaining balanced meal patterns, incorporating variety, and developing coping strategies for managing internal emotional experiences and external stressors is essential. Doing this, while also addressing underlying psychological and emotional factors, it is possible to break the binge/restrict cycle and establish lasting food freedom.

In this presentation, participants will acquire information pertaining to the pursuit of weight loss paradox and how restrictive eating (and thinking) fuels overeating behaviors. Strategies for increasing motivation for change will be discussed and education provided about the benefits of divesting from diet culture while moving toward attuned eating and an experience of peace in body. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Recognize how restrictive eating patterns—common in weight loss efforts—can lead to binge eating behaviors, contributing to weight cycling and exacerbating eating disorder symptoms.
• Recognize the underlying psychological and emotional factors that perpetuate the binge/restrict cycle, and develop strategies to respond more effectively and skillfully.
• Develop techniques for shifting away from strict dieting practices, establishing regular meal patterns, and cultivating a more attuned relationship with food.

Target Audience

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Thursday, March 27, 2025

11:00 AM CDT - 12:00 PM CDT