Over Eating

[Eyeofthetiger30]

I overeat. I've done it as long as I can remember but now I am BMI 34 and feel so so low about my weight / size / health. I'm the biggest I have ever been.

I have a young son (nearly 2) and I desperately want to live a long life to see him grow up and to be there for him - but the way I am eating unfortunately means that is unlikely. My eating is something I cannot control, it is in secret, and always unhealthy (sweets / chocolate / pastries / cakes / ice cream) in excess, every day. I don't know what to do. Any advice really appreciated.

Do you know what might trigger or cause this OP? If there is an underlying reason, it may help to seek therapy to understand it.

After that though it does just come down to willpower, actively wanting to change and choosing change every single day even when it gets hard. It won’t be easy, breaking habits never is, but it will be worth it.

One simple trick to try and make it a bit easier not to cave would be to stick to the absolute basics when you do your weekly food shop. That way at least when you do have a weak moment and think “ah fuck it I want chocolate/crisps” etc, it’s not as easy as just opening the cupboard and grabbing them, you’d have to actively go out and get them. That extra effort and time involved in going to get it may be just enough time to rethink and choose not to.

This is me!

weight loss injections seem to be the only thing stopping me from bingeing as it turns the desire for food off

This is me too.

two options, both of which have worked for me for periods.

1. completely cut out ultra processed foods. After a few days without them, you don’t want them.
2. give up dieting. Allowing myself to eat whatever I want Whenever I want somehow removed the power and the desperation for it

Not really. What invariably happens is I end up in a situation where I have zero choice. And then the cravings start again.

that said, there are things on that list I dont eat anyway (because I don’t like them). Crisps, cereals, yoghurt, soup.

Can I share something? I’ve made such a lot of effort in life to not have rubbish things, but I just can’t stop it with food. I know about black and white thinking but I too have a chocolate addiction. My guess is it’s not just about the chocolate, but I struggle to work out why I do it too.

Have you tried Overeaters Anonymous?
https://www.oagb.org.uk/