This is a very interesting thread, and also very difficult to participate in. There are so many different things being suggested.

Greens, I agree that we are eating more and moving less. I personally saw that happen to the 3 of us in the 80s, as we gradually expanded our waistlines as well as our collection of remote controls :lol:

Everyone overeats for their own personal reasons. Sometimes it's to help reduce stress - eating can be a calming and pleasurable action. Sometimes it's out of boredom. Sometimes it's because we like good food. I also think we are surrounded by a culture of fattening food that is easily attainable, and we desperately need to do something about that, for the sake of future generations as well as our own.

I don't think it's fair to say that those who claim they overeat as a reaction to having been abused or traumatized in some way are lying, because who are we to say it's not true? All we can do is look at our own personal situation and discover what makes us tick as individuals. Therefore, the solution may be different for everyone, but there CAN be a solution.

If someone overeats because they love good food, or because they are a food addict, that doesn't mean their situation is hopeless. Sometimes traditional dieting works, sometimes it doesn't. Unfortunately, it's so complicated and diverse that it's impossible to narrow it down to one cause, and one solution. It takes a lot of thought, a lot of soul searching, and a lot of effort. But giving up isn't an option. What kind of lives would we live if we just gave up on everything that was detrimental to our health or futures?

:o sorry aphil, I slipped in on you!