Surface behaviors—snacking, overeating, poor choices—are symptoms. Research by Tribole and Roth shows the core problem is something deeper: using food to manage emotions, identity wrapped up in struggle, an environment designed for failure, or a disconnect between values and actions. The eating isn’t the problem—it’s the solution to something else. Fixing symptoms without addressing the core leads to endless cycles of temporary improvement and relapse.
This companion covers symptoms versus causes, common core problems, finding yours, and addressing it. (4 min read)