I'm not an expert in diet, nor am I well-versed in the bounty of research that's been done on overeating, appetite, etc. So, please take everything I say with a grain of salt.
But sometimes people ask me if Somatic work can help with overeating. And here's my answer:
Do you like to eat? If your first reaction is, "Of course I do, silly, I'm asking you about overeating," then, I see your point. Of course there are things you like about eating. But let me be more specific. When you eat, do you sit down, and pay attention to your food? Do you take time to enjoy the flavor, to feel the texture and 'crunch' of your food? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of swallowing and feeling the food land in your belly?
Was that as easy of a yes, or did you find yourself feeling a little bored/uncomfortable with some of those images?
A lot of people mix their eating with other activities- they eat on the go, or as they watch TV, or as they socialize. All of these are fine things. What raises my curiosity, however, is the question: How does it feel to imagine eating without distractions, where it's just you and the food?
If there's some stress there, some anxiety, some feelings of "no thank you, I'm not sure why, but that does not sound good to me at all, no sir," then that is where I imagine Somatic Experiencing could help.
Somatic Experiencing doesn't tell you what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, or how much to eat, but it can help separate the act of eating from the stress or anxiety which may currently be associated with it. It can help lower the stress or anxiety which may precipitate a round of compulsive eating.
And in finding a greater sense of safety in relationship to your body sensation, you may find yourself enjoying the act of eating-- and finishing eating-- even more.
