Loss of Control of Eating: An Analysis of Coping Behaviour in High-Risk Situations

Food intake may be initiated by internal cues signalling energy depletion or by external cues which have been associated over time with the onset of eating. External factors including the presence of others, and sensory features of food such as appearance, smell, and taste have been linked to increased salivation, cravings, food intake, and loss of control of eating, particularly in dieters. It is argued here that identifying everyday high risk-situations for overeating and relapse relating to such factors should be an integral part of the treatment process for obesity. Training in self-control skills, which change reactivity to food stimuli, and repeatedly applying them in high-risk situations during treatment will increase competence of individuals who are engaged in behaviour change and weight management.