Emotions can trigger children, teens and even adults or caregivers to make poor food choices and overeat, said Patricia Pitta, a private-practice psychologist and member of New York State Psychological Association, a NYSUT affiliate.

Being overtired, too, often pushes people to go for high sweet and high-fat foods and drinks "because that's going to give you a kick," said Pitta. She runs a 20-week food behavior program at her private practice in Manhasset and worked on the psychological component in creating an obesity program at North Shore University Hospital.

In order to change eating habits, a person must change the way they eat, deal with their emotions and alter their food choices, she said.

Other contributing factors to overeating are familial patterns, genetics and learned behaviors. Research shows children also have increased risk of problems if one or both parents are obese.

"Food is an addiction if not handled properly, just as in alcohol and other addictions," she said.

Pitta encourages schools to improve food choices.

"You can never blame the school for a child's obesity issue, but if there are poor choices there, they'll carb out or sugar out," she said.

One major reason obesity is on the rise is because "people are sedentary on their computers," Pitta said. She also noted that people eat while they are on the computer or sending text messages, so they are not paying attention to what they are eating.

Assistance can be found through school social workers and psychologists, programs such as Weight Watchers, or by contacting a licensed psychologist through NYSPA, where, if necessary, other members of the family can be treated as well.

"If parents aren't eating appropriately, how are the children?" Pitta asked.

For assistance finding a psychologist in New York, contact NYSPA at 800-732-3933 or at www.nyspa.org.