Emotional Eating: A Practical Guide to Taking Control

Library Journal

Excessive overeating in response to emotions must be controlled before weight management can be successfully achieved, according to Abramson (psychology, California State Univ.). Using case histories, he explores some of the causes of emotional eating (e.g., childhood programming, family life, and sexual abuse) and the manifestations of emotional eating (e.g., ``sneaky snacking,'' grazing, and binging). Simple quizzes, designed to help identify emotional eating patterns, and exercises in behavior modification are provided. Of particular interest is the last chapter, which helps the reader determine whether or not it is a good or bad time to diet. While not a diet book or a 12-step primer, this is a tool for developing healthier ways of handling emotions and food. Another popular title on this subject is Frank Minirth's Love Hunger: Recovery for Food Addiction (Thomas Nelson, 1990). Purchase for comprehensive weight-loss or self-help collections.-- Linda S. Greene, Chicago P.L.