You’re So Fat is a featured column by one of Howard Hype’s best writers. Each week Ivanna tackles new aspects of body image and perception, from portrayals of beauty in the media to eating disorders. The sources in the original article are hyperlinked, and so are not included in this version.
by Ivanna M, age 13

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Over the past couple of years, collected data has shown alarming statistics regarding obesity in America. According to Anne Collins, part of the Obesity  Reduction Program, 58 million Americans are overweight, 40 million are obese, and 3 million are morbidly obese (click). These alarming numbers have caught the attention of many Americans, such as Michelle Obama. The newest first lady has made it a mission to decrease obesity in America, especially in  children.

Why do people tend to overeat? When does being full become enough for some overweight Americans? Obesity is mainly the result of overeating, but often times, psychological issues contribute to the problem. Overeating is caused by: hunger, confusion, stress, depression, and just pure greed. These four reasons have become the cause of the increasing number of  obese Americans, says Dorthy T. Weatherbush, contributing author to EzineArticles.com (click).

Hunger and confusion are fairly self-explanatory. Many people continue to eat after the necessary amount is needed, because they believe they are still hungry. Hunger confusion, can be caused by not drinking enough water throughout the day. Not drinking enough water brings on hunger pangs, which many people confuse for hunger. These hunger pangs aren’t signaling you to eat, they’re signaling you to hydrate your body because it is dehydrated.

Everyone reacts to situations in different ways and for most, living in a stressful environment is hard to deal with. Sadly, people deal with this issue by complicating already serious problems, like obesity. Many people use food to escape from their stress, or use it as an attempt to relax themselves. There are other ways of de-stressing yourself that won’t cause health issues or an early death. Some healthier ways to reduce stress are: taking a hot bath, lighting candles, exercising or reading a book.

Depression is one of the main causes of overeating. Just like stress, depression is dealt with in many different ways. There are also many alternatives to dealing with depression. Unlike stress, depression is a serious condition that is much more difficult to achieve relief from. Depression shouldn’t cause you to pick up a cheeseburger. If that’s what it takes to put a smile on your face, then you may have more serious issues.

Greed may be the most pathetic reason on this list. A lot of people overeat because of pure greed. These individuals eat because they enjoy the taste; they can’t get enough of it. Let’s see how you enjoy your heart attack at 25 years old. For those who are greedy, enough is never enough. People continue eating until they feel sick to their stomachs. As a quick fix, simply eat slower; savor the taste and allow your stomach time to process the food.

The result of overeating seems to be an emotional struggle. People find comfort in stuffing their faces with food. Overeating can just add to your problems, leading to heart conditions, diabetes, and possibly an early death.

Overeating is just one eating issue that also affects your health and body image. What happens when skinny becomes too skinny? Check back next week for an insight on this issue!