Expert: Dr. Bret L. Emery - 4/23/2007

Question
i have recently changed my eating habits and i still have an binge eating habit. i have also been exercising by playing Dance Dance Revolution. my question is why can't i lose weight after i have changed my eating habits and how much i eat but i can not lose weight on diet and exercise. can you suggest anything?

Answer
Hello Catherine,
Thank you for your question.  I was wondering how long it has been since you changed your eating habits, and how many times a week are you currently bingeing?  

If you have not given your body enough time to adapt to the change then that my be why you are not seeing results.  Also, if you are bingeing more than 1 time per week, then I can guarantee that is why you are not losing weight.  Binge eating is a sure fire way to keep from losing weight, and will most likely lead to weight gain.

Your exercise is wonderful.  Keep it a part of your life.  It will help with the binge cravings if performed 4 or 5 days per week for no more than 45 minutes.

I would focus on removing the bingeing.  There is a lot of "self-help" on the Internet and in bookstores.  Or if you want to work with a professional, look in your local phone book under psychologists or therapists who work with disordered eating.

Binge eating can be from physiological or psychological origins I will explain both:

The Psychological:  I like to think about urges to binge eat as a signal that the body is sending to the person.  It is a signal that something is missing.  The urge to eat is a craving.  The body is craving something.  Catherine, take a look at your life and see if there is any important piece that you are missing and might be wanting.  For some it is love, and affection.  For others it is direction, or excitement.  Find what is missing in your life and you may find the true source of your urges to binge.

Physiologically, when the body goes for an extended period of time without eating it sends a signal to the brain to find food.  if that signal is sent often, the individual can develop the urge to binge.  Try not to go more than 4 hours without eating while you are awake.  Even if it means eating a couple of crackers.  Anything to stop the signal to the brain.  Also make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.  Thirst can also trigger the hunger signal.


I hope my "2-cents" have been helpful.  Please do not hesitate to pose your question to others on this panel as they may be able to provide additional insight.  And if I can provide any more information please feel free to ask.

Best of health,
Dr. Bret
doctoremery.com