I need help with over eating

[shameofit]

I have name changed for this one, i keep over eating i cant help it, i have been on the OA website and can honestly say i answer yes to over half their questions (3 is the minimum they say is an issue) but they wont be able to help as it is very religion based, and that is just not me. I think about food, i plan food, i get a thought in my head that there is a certain food in the house and i cannot help myself or settle until i have eaten it, i wait until dh and ds's are out or upstairs and 'treat' myself to something quietly. I NEED HELP

I do go to the gym 3 times a week but obviously not losing any weight i do try to be healthy and the food i over eat does not always have to be the usual cake biscuits and chocolate as i have learnt not to keep it in the house, hard at the mo with all the xmas leftovers in though. I also have an underactive thyroid and crohns disease. I am a size 18 and dont want to be but i dont know how to stop it. I dont think i am depressed, i am a sahm.

That is probably more info than you need. Thanks in advance

P.S very shameul but need to tell you, i do even pick out of the kids selection boxes.

I'm sure others will be along soon...

but my advice is to see your GP- you might find counselling would help, or CBT.

Thank you ameliagrey but it looks like its just us! I know I need to go and see someone, being told and posting on here make it all more real, I will try!

Perhaps try posting this in the weight loss forum? Whilst your problem is more about addiction, than dieting, I think you might get more responses there, from people who are going through the same thing.

I understand where you are coming from though. I used to over eat, and was definately addicted and used it as a form of comfort.

I did crack the over eating, and lost four stone and have kept it off. However, I replaced my addiction to food, with a shopping addiction, believe it or not! This has now got out of hand, and I'm trying to deal with it.

I guess, whilst I am happier being thin than fat, this just goes to show that my initial unhappiness had nothing to do with being overweight, and I need something to self medicate, and make myself feel better, whatever size I am.

I wonder what I will use to reward myself with next?

Whatever you do, make sure you get referred to an NHS dietician so as to avoid aggravating your Crohns. Thyroxine doesn't always make you lose weight sadly so get advice on that too. Your problem is more complex because of your health issues so please do not follow advice from magazine type diets or from well meaning people with no medical/nursing knowledge. Maybe a dietician can refer you for psychological help. Ask your GP. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice, I will post on the weight loss forum as well. It is lovely so hear I am not on my own, but it is also helpful to know a little more about addictions. Thanks also nursenic, my other illnesses do need to be taken into account.

Hi Shameofit, sorry to hear you're feeling so low. I was just wondering if you've come across Gillian Riley's book, Eating Less, and her website, www.eatingless.com. Have a look at her archived newsletters there. She is the best writer I've ever found on eating too much, and she treats it as an addiction. Hope you'll find some good insights there. btw, I too steal my DD's chocolate...it's all part of addictive behaviour! I don't feel ashamed about it, just a bit bewildered...

Don't feel too awful about the selection boxes! Lots of people pick at them , I know I do and I have no food or weight issues. Honestly.

Hi isthis and acanthus, I will have a look at that site, it really helps to know it is not just me doing this aswell.

If you can afford it, try get CBT. Far more useful than any dietician will be. Most people with eating problems know what they should be eating. It's a psychological/esteem issue.

Dieticians offer more than advice on healthy eating. If a person has multiple health issues which is true in the case of the OP, then advice from a state registered dietician is important. I would not rely on self help books or unregulated 'nutritionists' etc. Dieticians can be the gateway to talking therapy and they will be able to recommend therapists with a specific interest in eating issues.