Out-Of-Control Eating

I Found my 16-year-old daughter wolfing down a bag of chocolate chip cookies. When I Asked her what was up, she tried to make light of it. I think she does this more than I know, ans I’m really concerned. What should I do?

Binge eating is a compulsive eating disorder. People overeat when they’re not hungry, and it goes hand in hand with depression  and other risky behaviours like drug and alcohol abuse.

Compulsive eating probably is a way to self-soothe when your daughter feels stressed or blue. So have a sit-down: Tell her you’re interested in listening if she wants to talk. She may not, at least the first time you try – but don’t give up. Remember, binge eaters often feel overwhelmed and out of control.

If she does open up to you, let her know that binge eating can be treated successfully. Binging involves emotional issues, and talk therapy often is helpful in sorting them out. But the disorder also has a physical component. Sometimes antidepressants help. And researchers have found a direct correlation between high levels of sugar in the diet and binge eating.

Help your daughter build a healthy relationship with food. Do you need to upgrade what you’re serving for dinner? Do you eat together as a family? That encourages better nutrition and is proven to reduce problem behaviours in teens.

King Features Syndicate

Thanks,

The Hindu- Well Being,

24/02/2013