[Always hungry girl]

Hi.

I can't believe I'm posting this but I think I've got an eating disorder. I've pondered this theory for a while but always just dismissed it saying it just had no will power but I'm realising it's not normal to binge the way I do.

I guess it started as a child, until the age of 7, I was a tiny thing then I has my adenoids out. after that I ballooned and have struggled with excess weight and obesity since. I've recently lost some weight with slimming world and got into the "just" overweight category rather than obese but I've still got a few stone to shift to be at a "healthy weight".

I was a fussy child and liked the foods that should be consumed in moderation such as crisps chocolate chips and cakes. My parents knew nothing about healthy eating and gave me what I wanted. I knew it wasn't quite right to eat crisps for breakfast so started hiding this from people. Fast forward 25 years and I'm still doing this only now I'll eat a sensible breakfast THEN binge on a family bag of crisps and large bar of chocolate. The fact my hubby doesn't know about it drives me to eat it all so I can dispose of the evidence and I can't bring myself to bin food so can't stop myself.

I always feel hungry even when I know my belly is full and a snack never cuts it for me. I'll get myself a snack of a banana or apple THEN I'll still eat the crappy food to excess. I'll then eat a full dinner on top to not make my hubby suspicious!

My children are getting old enough to know I'm eating crisps and now ask to share with me and it's got to stop as I won't allow this to continue down another generation. My mums a terrible influence on me always taking me out for dinner and suggesting puddings etc and if I try to say no, she'll make me feel bad by saying "oh! If you don't have one I can't have one"

I've found that there is a over eaters group in my city and was considering going but then read about prayers and stuff and it's 100% not me if god is going to be mentioned.

It seems a cycle to me know...... I compulsively eat the rubbish, I then feel ashamed and tired from eating the salty rubbish n have no energy which makes me feel miserable so I eat more crap.

We'll if you made it this far a massive thank you.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, Always Hungry Girl, and welcome to Psych Central! It sounds to me like your eating pattern was set in your childhood. And, alas, as we get older, we can't eat as many calories without putting on weight.

I don't know about an official eating disorder, but I would encourage you to talk to your doctor about establising a healthier eating program. And perhaps doing more activities.

Also, see about some health issue such as thyroid problems. Or maybe some meds you are taking. They can sometimes affect appetite.

Do you think you might be an emotional eater? For example, do you find yourself treating yourself with food when you are upset? It might be helpful to talk to a therapist about such things. A therapist can also be supportive of you as you work to break the unhealthy eating pattern.

I hope that was gentle enough---and that your eating can be improved soon.