Over-eating

Neurodiversity Hub Wirral

Children who eat too much may need help to make healthier choices. This should be done in a kind and supportive way.

One way to help is by swapping less healthy foods for better options. For example, instead of sweets or crisps, children can have fruit, yoghurt, or vegetables with a dip. These foods have less sugar and fat and are better for growing bodies.

It also helps to keep healthy foods easy to reach. A bowl of fruit on the table or cut-up vegetables in the fridge can make it easier for children to choose them. Try not to keep too many sugary or fatty snacks at home, but there is no need to ban them completely.

Children can also learn to listen to their bodies. Eating slowly and stopping when they feel full can help stop overeating. It’s a good idea to eat at regular times and avoid eating while watching TV or using screens.

Letting children help choose and prepare food can make them more excited to try new, healthy things.

Most importantly, be patient and positive. Small changes over time can help children build healthy habits that last.

So, what can help?

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  • Create a set routine with planned times for meals, drinks and snacks. Use smaller portions and consider using a smaller plate. Show your child the empty saucepan when food is finished. Say clearly that there is no more left.

    • Keep food out of reach.

    • Use locks or visual reminders, such as “No Entry” signs on cupboards and fridges.

    • Try not to buy snack foods like crisps and chocolate if they cause problems.

    • Agree rules when eating out, such as “You can choose a starter or a pudding, not both.”

    • Make a food timetable, for example snacks at 10am, 3pm and 7pm.

    • Reduce the amount of food slowly over time.

    • Keep food out of reach.

    • Use locks or visual reminders, such as “No Entry” signs on cupboards and fridges.

    • Try not to buy snack foods like crisps and chocolate if they cause problems.

    • Use visual hunger and fullness scales to help your child say how they feel.

    • Talk about what “hungry” and “full” mean.

    • Some neurodivergent children may not feel or recognise fullness.

    • A social story may help explain portion sizes in a simple way.

    • Add physical activity to your child’s daily routine.

    • Try doing some movement before a healthy snack.

    • Offer healthier foods often so your child gets used to them.

    • You can make a simple visual aid showing:

      • foods that are healthy and nutritious

      • foods that are less healthy and should be eaten only sometimes

  • Neurodivergent people often have different sensory experiences. This can include being very sensitive (hyper‑sensitive) or less sensitive (hypo‑sensitive) to sensory input.

    During eating, this may affect how they react to:

    • how food looks

    • how it smells

    • how it tastes

    • how it feels in the mouth or hands

    Interoception is also important. This is the sense that helps a person notice internal body signals, like hunger or fullness. Some children may struggle to read these signals, which can affect their eating.

  • Social stories are short stories with simple words. They often include pictures. They explain a situation or routine so a child knows what to expect.

    A social story can help your child understand why we eat and what food does for our body.

    Here is an example:

    “We all need to eat food. Food is like fuel. It gives us energy. When we have energy, we can do the things we enjoy. If we miss out on food groups, we may feel tired.”

  • If you feel that you or your child may have binge eating disorder, you may find these resources helpful:

  • Prader‑Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It causes physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behaviour challenges. Children with this condition often feel hungry all the time.

    It is caused by missing genetic material on chromosome 15. This affects a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus helps control hormones, growth and appetite. Problems with this part of the brain may explain the constant hunger and slower growth seen in Prader‑Willi syndrome.

    The condition happens by chance. It can affect children of any gender or ethnic background.

    Common symptoms include:

    • very strong appetite and overeating, which can lead to dangerous weight gain

    • slow growth (children are shorter than average)

    • weak muscles (hypotonia), leading to a “floppy” feeling in babies

    • learning difficulties

    • delayed or absent sexual development

    • behaviour challenges, including emotional outbursts or aggression

    Prader‑Willi syndrome is usually confirmed through genetic testing. Testing may be offered if a child shows signs of the condition. Babies who are very floppy at birth may also be tested. Many of these children are already known to children’s health services due to their complex needs.

    You can read more here:
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prader-willi-syndrome/