Teaching and managing emotions in nutrition

Mexico currently ranks first in the world in childhood obesity and second in adult obesity. Obesity is also a major risk factor for other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. One of the lines of long-term treatment for obesity should be nutrition education in conjunction with emotional management. This research arose because it is well recognised that emotions have a major effect on food choices and eating habits. Empirical evidence has been found that the influence of emotions on eating behaviour is stronger in obese people than in non-obese people. It has also been suggested that emotion in itself cannot be responsible for excessive eating. Only by understanding the emotional factors can we reinforce healthy habits that allow us to control our weight. Long-term success will not be through isolated nutritional or psychological therapies, but rather the conviction to generate a healthy lifestyle.