Nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to the aspirations for an ideal figure and proper nutrition, but not enough to the search for the root causes of excess weight, excessive criticism of the subjective image of one’s own body, and self-rejection. Various “trend” diets , which are in demand among many modern people, can lead to the fact that the “restriction” is followed by a “breakdown”, due to either banal hunger, or the fact that strict prohibitions lead to stronger desires for the forbidden. In general, this topic is extremely broad and complex and requires special attention, since it directly relates to the development of mental disorders such as eating disorders, the prevalence of which continues to increase. There is also the concept of “psychological hunger.” What underlies overeating and the uncontrollable desire to eat something when the body is full? In general, food occupies an important place in our lives. This is the very first and main way of our interaction with the world, which for a newborn is limited to the mother. In the process of eating, a baby satisfies several needs at once: safety, intimacy, care, love, pleasure, acceptance, communication. Of course, the feeling of hunger is also satisfied! As the psyche develops, the energy function of food becomes predominant. But even in adulthood, we continue to satisfy various psychological needs with the help of food, differentiating or not differentiating them. This happens when, for some reason, a person cannot realize these needs or satisfy them where they arise. And then eating becomes a universal means, familiar and accessible. For example, if a person does not feel safe or is experiencing stress, food can become some kind of sedative. If he needs love and care, but there is no way to talk about it and ask loved ones for help, food can help create a feeling of warmth and care. A person always wants to have fun, and many limit their horizons by using food as a proven way to achieve positive emotions. But at the same time, other, no less effective and interesting opportunities remain outside the scope. Some people find it easier to eat than to organize a rest for themselves when they are tired. And some people cannot imagine any other way to feel that they belong to any group of people (family, friends), other than to eat with company and share communication over a meal. Another aspect associated with overeating and in general with the relationship with food is these are our emotions. We are, in some way, programmed to not be afraid, not to be upset, not to be sad, not to be angry, not to grieve - in general, not to feel. Our society continues to divide emotions into good and bad. But experiences do not disappear anywhere, they are not realized when there is some prohibition or taboo on them. Emotional tension is created, which makes a person feel discomfort. And it needs to go somewhere. For example, eat! In general, this is a mechanism for the formation of any addiction, and in place of food there may be something else, including mentally active substances. Sometimes joyful events can be difficult to bear, especially when a person was raised in a family where joy and fun were frowned upon. Anxiety, associated with a sense of responsibility or hyper-responsibility, due to excessive demands on oneself, can also cause eating, as, indeed, everything that is difficult for us to face in life. The main recipe is awareness of your emotions and needs. Without such experience, it is difficult to start doing it yourself. The psychotherapist here will play the role of a kind of guide, helping to learn and consolidate the skill of awareness. Any diets that require constant self-control and lead to starvation should be excluded. Of course, you should not neglect the recommendations for a balanced diet, and at the same time be able to stop, listen to yourself, your feelings, desires and your body. Other recommendations.