At the present time, eating has lost its fundamental function of providing energy and keeping an organism alive and became one of the most important life pleasures. Eating is a complex psychological and social activity, reflecting a human being. It serves to provide for many needs, for example the desire for love, safety and approval. It helps in coping with stress, sadness, sorrow or irritation; it serves as a means to express fondness, respect and love. The aim of the article is analyse eating behaviors, their reasons and consequences in the context of emotional disorders and self-aggressive behaviors in obese people, on the basis of the literature. Studies show that in 21% of the general population of women there are frequent episodes of overeating. It is assessed that about 40% of the general population are overweight. In Poland, every third woman and every second man are overweight, and every third woman and every fourth man are obese. Pathological character of overeating has its sources in biological, environmental and psychological conditions. The first function of eating as one of the most important life pleasures is underlined. On the other hand, although it seems to be contradictory to the hitherto existing view on obese people as cheerful and gentle, one can think that overeating and its consequences are a form of self-aggressive behavior and coexists with suicidal ideation in obese people. Regardless of the grounds for overeating, the resulting obesity has numerous adverse health consequences, including even an increased risk of death.