Ylisyönnin

Ylisyönnin is a Finnish term used to describe episodes of overeating, in which a person consumes more food than is typical or necessary for energy, often accompanied by a subjective sense of loss of control. The term is widely used in everyday language and public health discussions in Finland, but it is not a formal medical diagnosis in Finnish classifications. In clinical contexts, similar behaviors are discussed under eating disorders, with binge eating as the more precise diagnostic category.

The word derives from yli- meaning "over" and syönti meaning "eating"; ylisyönnin is the genitive form of ylisyönti, translating roughly as "of overeating."

Common features associated with Ylisyönnin include rapid consumption, eating beyond fullness, a sense of lack of control, and distress about the behavior. Episodes can occur in various settings and may vary in frequency from occasional to regular. Unlike some other eating disorders, Ylisyönnin does not inherently imply a required pattern of compensatory behaviors.

Causes are multifactorial, including emotional distress, stress, dieting, environmental cues, and biological factors. Recurrent overeating is associated with weight gain, metabolic risk, and psychological burden such as guilt or shame.

Management typically involves psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindful eating, along with nutritional counseling. When overeating is part of a formal eating disorder, treatment may include medical evaluation and, in some cases, pharmacotherapy.