Type 2: Impulsive Overeaters Plan

Overview: People with this type struggle with impulsivity and trouble controlling their behavior, even though nearly everyday they intend to eat well. “I am going to start my diet tomorrow,” is their common mantra. This type results from too little activity in the brain’s PFC. The PFC acts as the brain’s supervisor. It helps with executive functions, such as attention span, forethought, impulse control, organization, motivation, and planning. When the PFC is underactive, people complain of being inattentive, distracted, bored, off task, and impulsive. This type is often seen in conjunction with ADD, which is associated with longstanding issues of short attention span, distractibility, disorganization, restlessness, and impulsivity.

Research published in the July 2008 issue of Pediatrics found that children and adolescents with ADD who do not currently take medications are at 1.5 times the risk of being overweight than non-ADD children. These individuals are more likely to be impulsive overeaters. On the other hand, those taking medication for ADD had 1.6 times more risk of being underweight compared to children without ADD, which is a side effect of their medication, which decreases appetite.

Impulsive overeaters may also be the result of some form of toxic exposure, a near-drowning accident, a brain injury to the front part of the brain, or a brain infection, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

SPECT findings: The most common brain SPECT finding in this type is decreased activity in the PFC, which is most commonly associated with low brain dopamine levels.

What doesn’t work:

High-carbohydrate diets and serotonin-enhancing medications, such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Lexapro, or supplements like 5-HTP usually make this type worse.

What works:

Interventions to boost dopamine in the brain are generally the most helpful.

Supplements to try:

• Focus & Energy Optimizer

Behavioral interventions:

The following changes in behavior may boost dopamine to help impulsive overeaters:

• Exercise, which helps increase blood flow and dopamine in the brain — especially doing an exercise you love (such as sports).
• Clear focus — make a list of weight and health goals and put it where you can see it everyday.
• Outside supervision — have someone you trust check in with you on a regular basis to help you stay focused.
• Avoid impulsively saying yes to offers for more food or drink and practice saying, “No, thank you, I’m full.”