Eating has never and never will be simply about satisfying physical hunger. We eat not only to quell a rumbling stomach, but also to satisfy the appetite and deal with emotions.

From the moment a parent first offers a biscuit or sweet to comfort and quiet a child, food becomes a way of nourishing the soul as well as the body. From the earliest age food is used to celebrate, calm, relieve boredom or depression and to comfort in times of sadness and emotional distress. Such behaviour is not unusual. Having a piece of birthday cake when it would be anti-social to refuse, rewarding yourself with some chocolate or a few biscuits after finishing a daunting job, having a glass of wine or beer to be sociable, are all normal practices.

The problem comes when emotionally driven food habits take over from healthy eating and result in uncontrolled weight gains.

Recognising the fact that solving the vast majority of people's weight problems is not about simply providing 1,500 calorie a day diets and exercise plans, many dieting experts are now including behaviour modification techniques in their various approaches to weight loss and weight maintenance.

Uncovering emotional eating is the first step in the road to recovery. The following questions and suggestions may help to find the solutions to emotionally driven weight gain.

Q. Do you eat when you aren't hungry?

Keep a food diary to find out what, how much and when you eat and the emotion or situation that triggered it. Being aware of the reasons may help you to address them. If you are angry about something, work out why and try to deal with it. If you are sad, sit down, write out why you are sad and see if there are ways of making yourself happy without turning to food.

Q. Do you crave certain foods?

When the craving next hits, be aware of what is happening and know that if you can ride it out, it will eventually pass. Have a list of things you can do to divert your attention and help it pass. Make a phone call, go for a walk, have a bath or make a hot drink.

Q. Do you eat because you are depressed and can never live up to the media's view of the perfect image?

Change your goals and start to eat well and exercise regularly, not to look like a super model but to be fitter, leaner, slimmer and to feel good about yourself.

Combining clear and simple guides to good nutrition with effective and practical advice on exercise is for many just half of the solution when it comes to permanent weight loss. Understanding the reasons for overeating, tackling them and finding practical strategies for change will enhance the likelihood of attaining your weight loss goals.

FOOD TODAY 09/2000