Binge Eater Needs HELP :(

Before I start... Please take me seriously, and don't think that I'm "just being silly" and "obsessing" as I've been told by friends and family. I am using this forum to ask for genuine advice, because I desperately need help.

I'm a 19-year-old female, who is 154cm tall (5ft 1/2in) and today I currently weigh 53.4kgs (117lbs). In September last year I was this weight after having eaten large portion sizes for a few months.  I resolved to be healthier and simply halved my meal sizes, and started doing a quick run in the morning before going to work. Was such an easy thing to do, and I had no problems. I lost weight and toned up surprisingly quickly and NYE I weighed 47kgs (104lbs). I wanted to lose just 2 more kilos (4lbs), and then maintain my weight from there...

Things didn't quite go to plan.

Since the start of this year, I have been uncontrollably craving food and binge eating, for no apparent reason. It doesn't matter what type of food it is either... Everything from lettuce to cereal to bread to chocolate to potato chips! Seems to be that if I know there is food somewhere, I just can't stop thinking and obsessing about it until it is gone (whether I eat it or have to throw it out). I find myself eating ridiculous amounts of food, until I actually make myself sick, and the whole time I'm thinking 2 things: "Why can't I just stop" and "What can I eat next?"

I joined the gym 2 weeks ago, and had a body analysis done last Monday to which I discovered I have gained 7kgs of fat (15lbs) this year. My healthy body weight in relation to my body type and height is 48kgs (106lbs). So, I have 5kgs to lose, which isn't what I'm worried about, I'm concerned about this "addiction" I have developed. 

My doctor believes I may have a hypothalamus gland dysfunction, leading me to literally become addicted to eating. I am an intelligent and active girl, who is simply struggling with this problem and I need some advice with how to cope. I told my ex boyfriend my concerns and he just laughed at me, so PLEASE take me seriously and I would really appreciate any positive advice you can offer.

i've been dealing with the same strange problem for the last few months and it has been driving me crazy!

did you start taking birth control within the last year by any chance? (i did. thinking it could be part of why i've gained weight and binge eat sometimes.)

i've noticed that setting a daily calorie goal and reporting it in a journal can help. also, when craving a food (or in mid reach for that ice cream) i just stop and think about what i'm doing (i think i can resemble the cookie monster in my eagerness occasionally)and i can usually stop.

hope this helps a bit!

I totally know where you are coming from.  I’ve been dealing with that issue the past few months, as this is my first year in college.  One thing I’ve noticed is that every time I give in to eating more than I should, it makes it even harder the next time that temptation comes up.  And vice versa, the more times I choose the healthy alternative, the easier it gets to do so.  So that’s a big motivation for me-that what I choose today, doesn’t just affect today. 

 

Like you say, most of the problem is psychological, not physical.  If you’re hungry eat something.  Be wise about your choices, but listen to your body.  I find myself turning to food when I am stressed or trying to put off something I don’t want to do.  In that case, I try to stop what I’m doing, and figure out why I’m anxious, and deal with that in a constructive way.  Going for a quick run is good; I like playing guitar, talking to a friend or my sister about it, journaling out my frustrations.  Another way to divert your attention is to pick up a bottle of water and sip at it-it gives me something to do that feels like eating (gum is good too).  Or on that same note, just giving your hands something to do-if you’re watching TV, pick up a Rubix cube, crossword, knitting, or even a rubber band to fiddle with.  One last thing that has really helped me to begin making strides toward success in this area of my life has been Scripture memory.  Verses like Philippians 4:13, Philippians 3:12-14, and 1 Corinthians 9:27.  Or even just sayings that you find inspiring, quotes from books.  They relay me back to my mindset before the “binge thoughts” have set in, my resolution and my goals, my passion for becoming something more than I am today.  When I get in a bad situation, I really have to step back and dwell on those verses for a few minutes, regain my focus, and then drive on to do something productive and occupying. 

 I know this is a really long-winded reply.  It is an honorable goal to have a healthy lifestyle, regardless of a person’s weight and appearance, and I hope that some of what I’m learning will be of help!

Hey!

Thanks for the advice! Will definitely try and take it on board! I was really bad over the weekend and ate tons, so started my "diet" (yuck hate that word!) today, and have just been keeping track of the calories and stuff!

Didn't start taking birth control or change anything really, which is why I have no idea what the problem is!!! I have tonsillitis at the moment though, for the fourth time in the past 3 months, so maybe I am just a bit run down??? I work a fulltime Mon to Fri day job, and also in a nightclub... Maybe that explains the reason, now I need a cure!

Hope you have a great day! :D

Love Chloe