Dopamine, Overeating, and "No Fap"

[HeeeyYouGuuuys]

I assume this goes without saying in the "Advanced Fat Loss" section, but please, despite the possible funniness of the topic, keep this serious and civil.

Can anyone share insight into possible causal links between overeating and masturbation? The standout links, to my knowledge, are dopamine and prolactin. I understand the basics of each and their roles. Where I'm getting confused is that the two chemicals are linked, and thus the processes of masturbation and overeating would appear to linked as well, but it would seem to be a stretch to say one of masturbation/overeating could cause the other. In particular, that masturbation could cause overeating.

But, in my personal case, a fap session will frequently lead to a strong loss of willpower and overeating. The effect is immediate and very pronounced. I'm fairly knowledgeable on the science of nutrition (take that as far more knowledgeable than the general pop., but just an amateur here), and am among the large category of people who knows how macronutritients work but has been unable to turn that knowledge into long-term weight loss success. This is for psychology reasons. In other words, I get cravings and binge, for reasons that seem beyond rational thought, and I am still trying to resolve those reasons. The same reasons that naturally thin people don't understand, and who might say "Uhh, eat less?"

"Psychology reasons" is essentially code for "not enough willpower," so what I'm essentially wondering is -- I notice a massive, massive drop in willpower after I fap. But I also really like to fap. Is there any real scientific evidence that giving up fapping would help me with my eating problems? I feel like I should try to give it up anyway, given the negative effect it's clearly had on my dieting, but I'd really like to understand what's going on. Googling of things like "masturbation and overeating" yields absolutely nothing, and makes me wonder if I'm alone in this regard.
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Obligatory link to the "No Fap" thread in Misc.

[fabiocaptain]

I believe that is has more to do with psychological reasons rathen than biological ones.Masturbation,especially since porn is so readily available,is no longer a "healthy" habit but it takes a compulsive note.
People often masturbate to get relief from anxiety or a stressor such as dieting for example.Bear in mind that this mind not be a consius decision.You have made a choice at a deeper psychological level of not letting yourself succeed.Having noticed that masturbation then makes you overeat,is the first step towards really understanding why is that happening.I will make an educated guess and assume some body-image issues you may have.Willpower,despite popular belief,is not the first factor when trying to reach a goal,physique or else.Trying to undestand what kind of purpose being in your current body-state serves is more important.

[dmacdonal9]

I went through a period of low willpower and loss of motivation that I eventually traced back to lack of sleep. It had kind of crept up on me, and when I made an effort to go to bed a lot earlier, the problem disappeared.

Low levels of serotonin in the brain will make you look for it in other ways, like overeating. It makes me think that in your case, perhaps you're assuming causation when it could just be correlation. In other words, something else is making you look for multiple ways to increase serotonin levels (by fapping and overeating).

[beepjeep]

Coming from someone who actually believed in NoFap's benefits and took part in the process for the full 90-days, NoFap doesn't make you hungrier for women or food -- the post-beat snack is psychological

[Nic1]

Some people report that after a night drinking, they'll be more prone to binge eating; inhibitions and self-control decrease. For me, I don't care about alcohol and it doesn't make me lose control at all, but masturbation or sex does. I suspect this is a similar mechanism. Also similar to how getting the first sugary bite might trigger a binge. You get into the "**** it" vicious circle.