Do GPs deal with compulsive overeating?

heleng27

Hi there,

I'm a doctors receptionist, and I most definitely read about this kind of thing all the time.

My advice would be see the GP and basically tell them what you want - referral, etc.

If that doctor is unhelpful, don't be disheartened they all have such different views and ways of working. Get yourself another appointment with another gp until you get what you want.

hth and good luck

MagicCat

Hi HBS,

I work as a dietitian in the NHS - a number of people I am working to support have problems with overeating, so please don't think you are alone - I have heard peole say similar to your comment that they are in control of other things in their life and feel ashamed that they cannot control eating and their relationship with food many times, you are not the only person who feels like this. It's like any other disorder, physical or emotional - you can change and overcome it, but expecting yourself to do it without support is expecting yourself to get over a broken leg or infection on your own without medical attention - it is hard to seek support but it's a really important first step.

Your GP is a good place to start to find out what is available in your area, sadly it varies a lot and some eating disorders services are only funded to help people with a specific diagnosis of bullimia/anorexia, but it's worth finding out what is available to you.

On some level we all use food to manage how we feel, and it's not a problem unless it's themain or only way, when it will start to affect your weight - this can then lead to making people feel upset or angry with themselves because of their weight and because food is a way of dealing with these feelings (or preventing them, such as the numbness you describe when you overeat) they eat more, and get stuck in that cycle. Helpful treatments can therefore bethose that develop other ways of dealing with these feelings, so you don't have to use food (you can't expect yourself to stop using the food if you have nothing to put in its place to manage the feelings/emotions).

I hope this helps - just wanted to let you know from a health carepoint of view that seeking support from your GP for this issue is a reasonable thing to do, and although it might seem like it you are no tthe only person dealing with this difficult issue.

I wish you every sucess, take care of yourself.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

There may be one of these in your areas, it might be helpful.


http://www.oagb.org.uk/

RuthnJasper

j.e.j. wrote: »

Hi HBS

There's a really good series called "Overcoming.. ". The methods are based on CBT and they do some for different eating disorders.

This one might be helpful?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Binge-Eating-Second-Edition/dp/1572305614/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397827853&sr=8-1&keywords=overcoming+binge+eating

But do go to your GP. Obviously some doctors are better than others, but the GP certainly should take it seriously.

I agree - this is the series which I mentioned in an earlier post on this thread. They are genuinely helpful books with practical, sensible advice and are written by qualified professionals. Infinitely preferable to the innumerable airy-fairy/celebrity-"written"/fad types of books on the market. The fact that my CPN was using them with me and (presumably) his other patients says it all really, I suppose.

And, on an MSE theme, a number of these books can be bought second-hand quite cheaply on Amazon

eskimo26

heartbreak_star wrote: »

This is probably a very odd thing to ask - especially in light of some recent threads - so please be kind to me. I am at my wit's end with this, and have been in tears over it.

I am an ex-bulimic, and am trying to face up to the fact I am quite likely to now be a compulsive overeater. I use food as a comfort, a shield, an emotion-nullifier...everything. I have managed to remain a size 14 through sheer hard work at the gym. I admit I eat in secret, and I admit I eat food I don't even want because it makes me feel numb, like a drug.

For those of you who will inevitably say "just go on a diet" it's not quite that easy. I know I'm fat. I hate that I'm fat. I hate the compulsion to stuff my face. I hate myself altogether. I can trace part of it back to the fact my mum always made big meals and encouraged me to eat, but then said I was fat all the time.

Sooo...my question is this. Is it worth me making an appointment with my GP to discuss this, or will I be laughed all the way to the dietician? Or does anyone know of anywhere else that could help me out a little?

I really want to sort this, and believe that I deserve to be healthy and happy.

Mods, if this is too close to asking for medical help, please delete.

HBS x

Your body image is way off btw, 14 is in my opinion ok. It's not bad but it's not great, add to that you weight lift I think your being super harsh on yourself.

Also anyone that would say 'go on a diet' to someone with complex medical problems like eating disorders is a fool. Granted their are a lot of fools out there though.

Yes go to your GP, it might take a few tries to find a good GP though some of them really are useless.

All in all it actually sounds like your in fine shape mentally and physically given your previous medical history and weight-lifting but definitely get yourself help as I know from experience it's very easy to slip in this position.
Good Luck.

Buick

eskimo26 wrote: »

Your body image is way off btw, 14 is in my opinion ok. It's not bad but it's not great, add to that you weight lift I think your being super harsh on yourself.

I agree the OP is quite harsh on herself. I suppose it depends on the person's height, though, as to whether a size 14 is too large. On an average 5'5 or 5'6 frame I suppose size 14 isn't that huge.

cmcavon

You've hit a chord with me. I've definitely got issues with food and have never spoken to anyone about it. I can diet for weeks/months and lose weight, then spend a week binge eating and pile it back on. I lost weight for a holiday a few years ago, went two week all inclusive and put a stone on!

I go through phases of just wanting to eat junk, nonstop all day, it's like an addiction.

People comment that I should be stick thin with all the exercise I do.

Feel your pain.

cmcavon

And I'm a size 14 5ft 6, feel enormous

tillyenna

Good work on recognising it early! (and yes, totally talk to your GP, I go and see mine about the most random of stuff - they can always refer you to a counsellor if that is more appropriate)


As a secondary piece of advice (from an ex-anorexic) if you feel yourself on that slippery slide again (esp. if you are weighing obsessed) make sure you have a 'minimum acceptable' and a 'maximum' acceptable weight limit. Obviously these depend on your height natural build, but for example, my target weight is about 8st - I know I need to start doing more exercise and dieting if I get above 9.5 and if I hit 7, I know I'm taking it a bit far, and I need to either speak to someone professional, or try and gain control of my eating again. This actually really helps me, to know that I can diet safely, without using control eating.