I can’t stop overeating even though I know it is killing me
DEAR DEIDRE: I’ve been seriously unhealthy for many years, but even diagnoses of high cholesterol and borderline diabetes have not stopped me overeating.
My wife is very worried about my condition but I don’t know how to change.
I’m 48 and my wife of 20 years is 49.
I’ve always been on the chubby side and partial to fatty foods – takeaways, greasy fry-ups and pies. But over the past few years, I’ve gone from having a beer belly to being obese.
Last time I went to the doctor, I had a full health screening and she told me I had to lose weight or risked a heart attack. My blood sugar was so high, I was about to develop diabetes.
The problem is, I can’t stop eating. I eat when I’m bored, I eat when I’m miserable.
My wife is trying to cook healthy meals but it’s not helping because I get chips on the way home, and scoff biscuits while I work.
Please help, I don’t want to die young.
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DEIDRE SAYS: If you feel out of control with your eating and do it to fill an emotional void rather than because you’re hungry, you have an eating disorder.
Contrary to popular opinion, eating disorders affect men as well as women.
You need support to treat your mind as well as your body – to deal with the cause of your overeating. Do be honest with your GP and ask for help.
Read my support pack on Eating Disorders and contact beateatingdisorders.org.uk (0808 801 0677).
You can also get help from Overeaters Anonymous (oagb.org.uk, 07798 587802).