Binge eating...how do I stop?

[Anonymous]

Im am a slim girl and eat healthy most of the time. However the past few months I have started binge eating and its horrible. Usually I eat healthy and allow myself a treat once in a while...But for the past few months I have days where I just can't control myself. I will get home and just eat eat and eat! everything! I can't stop myself...my stomach will ache and I will carry on...what is this? its terrible...and it happens about twice a week. I don't want to put on weight but what worries me more is that I can't control it and scared it might get worse.

How do I stop this stupid habit?

[runnerchic]

As a woman who has struggled for years with eating disorders, both anorexia and bulimia, I can tell you that your behavior is emotionally based. Binge eating ( even without purging) is considered an eating disorder, which is a psychiatric condition (see the DSM-V). I don't mean to scare you with all of that, but I am trying to impress upon you that what you describe is more than just a little overeating. It sounds like a compulsion, which is possibly serving you in some way. Very often eating disorders are a way of dealing with emotions that we are unable to cope with otherwise. It is a subconscious thing. I'd see a professional immediately before you ruin your health-both emotional and physical. See your primary care doctor for a medical work-up, and especially seek out a therapist. I'd try to get one who specializes in eating disorders, if you can. Also check out NEDA, The National Eating Disorders Association.

[just42day]

Im binge eating like last 2 years and gained lots of weight! I was very skinny before i developed this! I was in treatment few months and lost all the weight eating normally and the thing is I can't find the underlying emotional needs! Its just addiction I don't know how to stop this !

[runnerchic]

I'm sorry I haven't seen your most recent comment until now. You must get help in order to stop it. Trust me. I have been struggling with anorexia for 30 years (off and on) and I am finally in recovery and at my goal weight because I finally got help from a therapist who SPECIALIZES IN EATING DISORDERS. I cannot stress the specialist element enough.

You cannot do this alone. The struggle you describe shows that this illness has taken over your life. It will ruin your health and make your mental health crumble. I have permanent damage to my heart, stomach, intestines and bones. Those with eating disorders need help because we are powerless over our disease, just as an alcoholic is powerless over alcohol. Please contact a local mental health organization or NEDA, as in my original answer. You can beat this!!!

[stubbsy]

start eating some carbs intead of junk food like sugury stuff, eat pasta or potatoe or veg, this will stop you becoming hungry thus helping you with your binges.

[yaddayaddayadda02]

What is triggering you to do these binges? What satisfaction do you get when you are done binging?

[Asker]

I don't get any satisfaction at all...i have no idea why I dot it:-( I just feel bad after

[yaddayaddayadda02]

Then what is triggering the habit?

[Asker]

Idk...its usually at night before I go to bed...or while I'm studying...and then I always get hungry...I will then get some cornflakes...and then go back and eat the whole pack! I know don't need it and my brain is telling me to stop but I can't control it! it sounds so stupid I know...this happens about 3 times a week:-(

[yaddayaddayadda02]

When you feel the urge to snack, chug a glass of water, then go outside and walk for 10 minutes. See if that is a better alternative. The key is to find the trigger, then change the behavior.

[Asker]

I don't drink a lot of water. Maybe I need to start doing that! Thanks

[yaddayaddayadda02]

You are welcome, good luck.