We all overeat at times, and it is completely normal to do so. Celebrations like Christmas or birthdays wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t allow yourself to try the delicious food on offer. However, sometimes we feel ‘out of control’ when eating, where it seems like we can’t stop even if we wanted to. This sensation can occur with small or large amounts of food. Who hasn’t experienced intending to eat just a handful of chips, only to find half the bag gone? This isn’t typically a problem if it happens occasionally and doesn’t result in negative psychological or physical impacts.
‘Out of control’ eating can become a concern when it is frequent and associated with significant distress. This may lead to harmful behaviours to ‘make up’ for the episode of ‘out of control’ eating due to fear of gaining weight. It can be a feature of many eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, and Anorexia Nervosa. Importantly, this issue can affect individuals at any age or stage of life. Whether you’re a teenager, a young adult, or even in your later years, feeling out of control with eating can be a distressing and overwhelming experience.
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, and sheer willpower is typically not enough to stop frequent and distressing ‘out of control’ eating. Trying to stick to a strict diet often makes the situation worse. The factors maintaining ‘out of control’ eating usually need to be addressed with the help of a psychologist and dietitian experienced in treating Eating Disorders.
Talking to a health professional who is a credentialed eating disorder clinician can be incredibly helpful. These professionals can assist you in normalising your eating patterns and improving your relationship with food. They use evidence-based approaches to understand the underlying causes of your eating behaviours and work with you to develop healthy, sustainable habits.
If you recognise yourself in this description, reach out to Myrtle Oak Clinic. Our team is here to support you. We understand that taking the first step can be challenging, but seeking help is a crucial step towards recovery and well-being. Contact us via phone at 02 43 623 443 or contact us via the contact form. Let us help you take the first step towards recovery and a healthier relationship with food.
