Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that weight loss is not just a physical challenge but also a psychological one, highlighting the importance of addressing emotional eating and mental health in the weight loss journey [8][9][21]. Group 1: Importance of Weight Management - The article discusses the rising obesity rates in China, with over 41% of adults being overweight and 9% classified as obese, leading to serious health risks [13][15]. - It mentions that by 2030, the overweight and obesity rates could reach 70% and 32% for adults and children, respectively [15]. - The World Health Organization links obesity to an increased risk of 13 types of cancer, emphasizing the health benefits of weight loss [17]. Group 2: Emotional Eating - Emotional eating is defined as eating in response to feelings such as stress, loneliness, or sadness, rather than hunger [6][7]. - The article explains that many people associate food with comfort, leading to unhealthy eating patterns and weight gain [23][24]. - It highlights that the root cause of overeating often lies in emotional needs rather than physical hunger [27][28]. Group 3: Strategies for Effective Weight Loss - The article suggests setting realistic and specific goals, such as focusing on small achievements rather than a drastic weight loss target [31][32]. - It promotes a balanced approach to eating, recommending practices like "5:2 intermittent fasting" and mindful eating to reduce emotional eating [37]. - Incorporating physical activity, even in small increments, is encouraged to boost mood and metabolism [38]. - The importance of mental health is stressed, with suggestions for keeping an emotional diary to differentiate between hunger and emotional triggers [39][40].

Group 1: Understanding Psychological Hunger - Psychological hunger, distinct from physiological hunger, arises from emotional states such as stress or negative feelings, leading to eating behaviors that do not fulfill actual energy needs [1][2] - Emotional eating can be categorized into restrictive eating, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating, with the latter closely linked to anxiety and depression [2][3] - The brain's craving for high-carb and high-fat foods during negative emotional states is a natural response, as these foods provide quick energy and can improve mood [2][3] Group 2: Coping Strategies for Emotional Eating - Awareness of emotional eating is crucial; recognizing the behavior can help individuals moderate their eating habits [4] - Alternative coping mechanisms include mindfulness breathing, talking to someone, exercising, or engaging in enjoyable activities instead of relying solely on food for emotional relief [4] - When cravings are uncontrollable, opting for healthier, low-calorie snacks like cucumbers or tomatoes is recommended, while minimizing the presence of high-calorie snacks [4] Group 3: The Cycle of Emotional Eating and Weight Management - Emotional eating can lead to excessive calorie intake and obesity, creating a vicious cycle where obesity further exacerbates emotional eating [5][6] - Extreme dieting can trigger psychological hunger, resulting in negative emotions and cravings for high-calorie foods [6] - Individuals experiencing rapid weight gain or frequent weight fluctuations should reassess their weight management strategies to ensure they are healthy and sustainable [6][7] Group 4: Nutritional Guidance for Weight Management - A balanced diet emphasizing whole grains, vegetables, and appropriate portion sizes is essential for effective weight management [8] - Maintaining regular meal patterns, such as three meals a day, helps distribute calorie intake and supports weight control [8] - Intermittent fasting methods, like "16+8" or "5+2," can be effective under professional guidance, but individual circumstances must be considered [9]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the connection between psychological health and weight management, particularly highlighting "emotional eating" as a response to stress and anxiety [1][3] - Emotional eating is identified as an external manifestation of emotional issues rather than a signal of physiological hunger, with the brain using food as a "comfort" to alleviate negative emotions [3] - High-sugar and high-fat foods stimulate dopamine release, creating a dependency cycle where individuals feel "happier" as they eat more [3] Group 2 - Major triggers for emotional eating include stress, loneliness, and anxiety, suggesting that individuals need to confront the root causes of their issues rather than avoid them [3] - Recommendations for breaking the cycle of emotional eating include recognizing emotional signals, establishing a "pause mechanism," and employing alternative coping strategies such as mindfulness meditation or talking to friends [3][4] - Health management should encompass both physical and mental well-being, advocating for a holistic approach that includes reconciling with emotions rather than solely focusing on diet and exercise [4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the importance of occupational health and the need to protect workers' rights, particularly in the context of mental health and emotional eating during stressful times [2] - The National Health Commission has been focusing on preventive measures, services, and foundational work to combat occupational diseases and ensure workers' health rights, contributing to high-quality enterprise development [2] - The theme for the 23rd Occupational Disease Prevention Law Awareness Week is "Caring for Workers' Mental Health," highlighting the connection between mental well-being and physical health [2] Group 2 - Emotional eating is identified as a response to stress, anxiety, and depression, where individuals may resort to high-sugar and high-calorie foods as a coping mechanism, which is deemed unscientific [3] - Recommendations for managing stress and emotions include scientific methods such as exercise, social interaction, and sensory stimulation, which are effective in alleviating pressure [3] - Sleep issues and sedentary behavior are also linked to weight gain and obesity, indicating that psychological factors can significantly impact physical health in certain populations [3]