cannot stop eating
May 5, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Hendrik Bernau
I really have a problem. From morning until night, I am only busy eating or thinking about what I could eat next.
I don't know what to do anymore, I can't stop. I recently tried to permanently change my diet and buy more vegetables to at least eat a little healthier. Well.. that escalated! I went to the nearest supermarket, because there was only vegetables, and bought greasy stuff like crazy. Then to MC****, in the evening as always chips and chocolate...
The binge eating is really getting to me. What can I do about it?
Simply eating less is not possible, it's like a compulsion.
I have always loved eating, but from December 2010 to August 2011 I hardly ate anything because I was pregnant. I had no appetite then. But since Lucas' birth, it's starting again. But for about 3 months now, it has become really bad. And I have the feeling it's getting worse.
Dear questioner,
You are describing a form of eating disorder. Medically, this refers to the persistent and pathological emotional and cognitive engagement with the topic of eating. Based on your description, you may be suffering from the manifestation of "Binge Eating": This is assumed when the patient experiences so-called "binge eating attacks" on at least 2 days a week over a period of at least 6 months and fulfills at least 3 of the following criteria:
- eating when not hungry
- eating very quickly
- eating until feeling uncomfortable
- eating alone to avoid feelings of guilt and shame
- feeling the binge eating episodes as distressing
- experiencing feelings of disgust, shame, or depression after the binge eating episode
Your approach to buying more vegetables and then consuming them as a kind of "replacement" for fast or junk food is certainly not wrong. However, as you yourself write, this measure alone does not lead to the desired success. My advice is divided into two parts:
1. Make an appointment with your trusted general practitioner and discuss the issue. There are various options, from keeping a food diary to the realization that one can be more productive and attractive by being willing to change one's lifestyle and eating habits. Your GP will recommend further steps after a thorough medical history.
2. Start with yourself. You are in the very advantageous position of recognizing that you have a problem. This puts you a step ahead of many other patients. Take it a step further and discipline yourself - perhaps initially with set mealtimes. They don't have to be "starvation meals" - but they should be at certain, fixed times. No more eating "on the side". Use your psychological advantage and realize the consequences of undisciplined "gluttony".
Because you are willing to take action against the problem, I give you good chances to break the cycle you described.
I hope I have been able to help you. If you have any further questions, I am always available to assist you.
I wish you good health.
Best regards,
Dr. med. - anonymized -
