Developmental trauma underwrites obesity
What is it about?
In the obesity world much is discussed about the bio-chemistry of fat and the toxic food environment. What is neglected in this discussion is that early attachment insecurity gives rise to a compromised self regulation system. Self regulation is central in the interface with food. Attachment pattens are encoded during the first 18 months of life - this is called the "critical time". Coming out of this "critical time" with an Insecure or disorganized attachment pattern gives rise to dysregulation of self control and emotions. This article discusses the implication of developmental trauma and its direct connection to overeating, and obesity.
Why is it important?
Developmental trauma and its interface with obesity has been a much neglected area. Obesity has become a global problem. Focus has been on the toxic food environment, i.e. fast foods, etc. In addition to genetics, and the toxic food environment, the ability to develop secure attachments undergirds the ability to self - regulate . Without this, a range of emotional and behavioral problems ensue. Amongst them, uncontrolled overeating as a substitute for that which was not realized early on in development.