Overeaters Need Help Too!

Question:

I am a 26 year old female. I have grown up severely over weight, however, I cannot control my eating habbits.

I am about 220 pounds, and I'm only 5'2. I find that I am constantly eating. Most of the time, I find it is because I am depressed, angry, bored, etc.

My questions are:

1. Doesn't anyone see this as a problem? I have been told I have compulsive eating disorder. Why isn't this recognisable in the medical community?

2. Why can't anyone help me? Why is it that a disorder for eating is for only thin people trying to be thinner? I understand that there is a problem there, but what about people that use food as a drug, like alcohol to an alcoholic?

3. What can I do for this help? I am sick and tired of being this way, and I am quite annoyed with anorexia and bulemia. I get sick of hearing about that problem, when there is such a large amount of people grossly obese that obviously need help. It seems to me that it is more of a mental problem for people than it is just "changing your eating habbits".

Why isn't there help for us?

Thank you for listening,

Frustrated

Answer:

Thank you for writing about your dilemmas and feelings of frustration. You are not alone. Many people who struggle with overeating feel misunderstood by the helping professions, and justifiably so.

The medical community does see overeating as a problem, yet, as you describe, unfortunately many see the issue as one of simple will power, and do not recognize the powerful and complex psychological issues involved. Eating problems are even more complex than substance abuse and addictions, for one can live for a lifetime without consuming alcohol or drugs, but eating is a daily necessity. Somehow or another we must deal with eating every day. Many people are told to lose weight by their physicians, but they do not know how to carry out this recommendation effectively.

In general the mental health professions have focused more on anorexia and bulimia than on problems of overeating. There are, however, therapists and programs addressing the multifaceted personal, psychological, cultural and health issues involved in overeating. You may want to visit the Overcoming Overeating website which lists books, therapists and other resources. They even have an online mailing list discussion group for people using the Overcoming Overeating approach developed by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter. The Renfrew Center has developed Body Balance, an alternative program for large women, based on self-care rather than dieting, where large women can support one another in dealing with the issues that are limiting their lives.

You have already made the connection between having difficult feelings such as anger or depression and finding yourself constantly eating. It sounds as though you are ready to explore these feelings and alternative ways of coping with them. Please continue to reach out for support and professional help. It may be harder to find a therapist who can address your eating disorder than someone who treats anorexia or bulimia, but you are worth the effort of searching for someone who is appropriate for your needs.