Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Can't stop eating

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 3/11/2011


Question
I use to weigh almost 300 pounds.  I lost down to 185 after having my child in 2005.  I have since started a really bad habit of overeating and I can't stop. No matter what I do this addiction is taking over me. If I have a few extra dollars in my pocket I will stop for a snack of 3 burgers if I feel like it. Alot of people say it's emotional eating but I don't think mine is. I think its much deeper than that. However, I don't know what causes me to do this and not be able to control it.  I was in a bad relationship but have since started dating an amazing man that tells me good things about my self on a regular basis but this doesn't help. Sometimes I will make excuses to go to the store just to scarf down 2 chocolate bars on the way back. What is making me do this secret behavior?  What can I do to stop it before it takes over me and I am 300 pounds again. I have already gained some weight back and I am at 200 again.  I never wanted to see over 200 again in my life, but here I am knocking on it's door. Help me before it gets any worse.  :(

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Rebecca,

I'm sorry to say that it is very difficult not to gain back the weight you've lost.

It's wonderful that you've found someone who is sweet and kind.  You still might have brought some of your low-self-esteem over to your new relationship and eating.

The term emotional eating is not light weight -- and it can cover a wide variety of situations that have been troublesome for you all of your life!  some people feel subconsciously that they need the weight to protect themselves.   This is particularly true for people who have experienced any kind of earlier trauma, including sexual trauma.

There is such a feeling of real compulsivity in your note.  I would love to have you see a therapist and even a psychiatrist.  The psychiatrist can offer you medication that will make your compulsions lesson (maybe even go away!).  Many people who are compulsive eaters have chemical imbalances in their brains which can only be corrected with medication and/or neurofeedback.

Some therapy, neurofeedback, and some medication for a short time and you'll be good to go!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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