I am obsessed with food and can't stop eating

[workiskillingme]

I'm always hungry can always eat more have no off switch and cannot imagine a life where I don't wake up and start eating chocolate and don't think all day about about what I can eat where
Weekends away nights out - all about the food. My health is now suffering as a result.
Is there every any cure ?

There are medical conditions that can cause this but they're very rare.

So it's more likely to be psychological.

There is a cure, but it's a long road to finding and solving the reasons for over eating and most people do not have the time/energy/motivation for this unfortunately. You'll be able to find therapy if you look for it but will probably have to self fund because the NHS can't afford to do more than send you to a dietitian who'll tell you what you already know.

What could give you the motivation? An upcoming event, an inspiring person (usually with an honest autobiography describing their struggles), worry about your health?

I hope you are able to take the steps you need.

Should add, do get a health check. Good to rule out a medical cause.

Welcome to the club work. It's absolutely grim to be a food addict. I've been there. And when I was in the food I simply could not stop my compulsive eating. I would tell myself that I would never stock up on sweets and ice creams again then, straight after school drop off, I would be coming out of the local shop with two heaving bags of them - if I'd had three hands it would have been three heaving bags. I couldn't wait until DD was in bed so that I could stuff myself. It was crazy and I couldn't stop.

Then I came to Overeaters Anonymous oa.org/. It was such a relief. There were people who were actually thin who were talking openly and honestly about the insane things that I did and hid. I got sane around food (it took a while and I still slip now but nothing like my past insanity and now I have people to talk to and the programme to work when things do go wrong).

Yes, it's psychological but it is also physical, spiritual and emotional and you need to tackle all of those. Good luck - happy to chat if that would help.

Have you seen a doctor? I think this is your starting point.

You should listen to the BBC radio podcast about Ultra Processed Foods - basically they fuck up your off switch. I have cut out almost all UPFs and wow I feel better. If youa re eating crap food - assume it is not 90% cocoa dark chocolate you are eating?! - then you would do well to learn more about this.

It is an addiction, it can be broken, but it is not just a weakness in you - these foods are chemically addictive.

Yes. I possibly have sleep apnoea which is associated with excessive eating and have an appointment regarding that in a couple of weeks. I hope it is the case. I've bought self help books etc but am too knackered and have no time to read them

Hi there
How does that work when you aren't even remotely religious as I'm not? That's the bit that puts me off

You don't have to be religious - but you do have to believe in a power greater than yourself. For a lot of atheist and agnostic members that higher power is the group itself - the idea that together we can do what we cannot do alone.

I can be a grade A control freak over some things and for me it is a relief to admit that I'm not God, I can't control everything or be responsible for everything and I need to hand it over (and yes my first reflex is still to take charge).

OA members attend meetings - there are plenty around on zoom or face to face. If you want to be anonymous you can pop into meetings in Australia or the USA or anywhere. No charge - voluntary donations only because it's not a for profit diet club. It gets you sane around food.