Punishment through restriction after overeating creates a binge-restrict cycle that makes things worse. Research by Polivy on dieting and binging shows restriction increases hunger, cravings, and food preoccupation—setting up the next overeat. The restriction isn’t penance; it’s setup for the next binge. Breaking the cycle requires responding to overeating with normalcy, not punishment.
This companion covers the binge-restrict cycle, why restriction backfires, the punishment instinct, and the alternative. (3 min read)