Expert: Cheri Purpur - 3/29/2004

Question
Hi, I need help if possible. Although this is not seriously affecting my health as yet I have got a problem with overeating on junk food, particularly sweets/candy. I will often eat up to about 5/6 chocolate bars a day plus many other sugary snacks. I find it so hard not to eat, especially when I'm bored. Do you have any coping strategies, as besides all the possible health implications, I have been putting on weight recently and this, however fickle, is motivation to do something about it.  

Answer
Hello Kate. You are well  on your way to binge eating disorder if in fact you are not all ready there. This is a true disease and you must treat it just like alcoholism or a drug addiction. Go to a website for Kay Sheppard and read about this disease- she had very effective treatment outlined on her site. All the best- Cheri.