Q: I have struggled with being over-weight all of my life. Recently I have come to realize my eating includes frequent intakes of large amounts of food which almost feels like binge eating. Do I have a weight problem or an eating related disorder?

A: When considering eating disorders most people think of anorexia or bulimia and don't realize binge eating disorder (BED) is also included in this family of disorders.

Diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder include:

• Impulsive gorging, grazing, bingeing and/ or continuous eating not in response to physical hunger, accompanied by a sense of lack of control. Eating is driven by emotions and used as a way of coping, soothing or numbing out.
• Repeated patterns of yo-yo dieting, weight cycling, quick fix remedies.
• Secretive behaviors.
• Secluded eating places.
• Increasing self hate as weight continues to increase.
• Lack of selff-trust and trust of others.
• Feelings of deprivation which underlie intense cravings.

Seek counseling from a counselor and dietitian who have experience with the psychological component of BED. You do not need a meal plan or another diet. You need professional who will support you and changing your relationship with food and not just work toward weight loss.

Q: I've tried every diet imaginable and still can't lose weight. What is going on?

A: I've been counseling people to achieve weight loss for 20 years and I've never met anyone who can't lose weight. But, I have met a few who choose not to put forth the sustained effort required to experience successful weight loss.

Don't be discouraged and assume you can't lose weight, because you can! You need to explore and figure out what is your road block. Step back and look at your world, not just your food.

are some factors which can make weight loss difficult.

Food does not cause weight problems -- CHOICES cause weight problems.

You must be willing to take a very accurate, honest look at your actual intake (every single crumb counts) and activity. Do you find yourself very tired and extremely hungry frequently? If so, these situations will always produce poor food management decisions.

When you're tired and hungry you don't care -- "get out of my way and haul out the food" is the general response.

Have you tried to severely limit your intake in an effort to produce rapid weight loss?

Rigid food restriction always results in obsession about food.

Do you spend more time sitting or moving?

Follow yourself for a few days and get the real picture of your interest in movement.

Seek advice from a dietitian experienced with weight management challenges. A solution to your frustration can be found. Whatever the solution, self-discipline will be a primary ingredient. Life always works best when we learn to discipline ourselves.

 

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is to help make informed decisions about your health. It is not a substitute for the advice or treatment given by your doctor. Please consult a registered dietitian or your doctor if you have any questions about the information given on this page.