TeenHealthFX - Answers - 16 And Feel Like All I Want To Do Is Eat

Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: June 10, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm a 16yo female and I feel like all I want to do is eat. I'm not overweight but I'm not happy with my weight. I've always wished I was skinnier and constantly try to loose weight but I can never seem to get a good workout schedule going for more than a week because of school work etc. I'm on a running routine now and I'm trying to eat healthy but it is so hard and summer is basically here. I know it's hard for everyone not to eat the things they love but sometimes I just can't help it, i'll go into the kitchen and just start picking at tons of different stuff then if I here someone coming I'll stop because I'm so embarrassed I'm stuffing my face! I know it sounds so sad but I can't help always feeling like I want to keep eating. I know I'm not overweight but I'm not thin and I really wish I was. I was reading about binge eating disorder but I don't know if I actually have it. maybe I'm just over-reacting and have to learn how to balance the right foods with exercise. I'm really trying, but it seems so hard sometimes I get so overwhelmed looking at my mom, dad, and two brothers who are all perfectly skinny AND fit! Any advice?

Signed: 16 And Feel Like All I Want To Do Is Eat

Dear 16 And Feel Like All I Want To Do Is Eat,

TeenHealthFX appreciates the stress you may be feeling in terms of being so preoccupied with issues around food, overeating, and weight. It is easy for some people to put a great deal of thought and energy into these things, and for those people to begin to feel worn down by how much this becomes an issue.

FX suggests that you start by thinking about what exactly the problematic issue here is. Is the problem that you overeat in a way that compromises your physical and emotional well-being because you are overweight? Is the issue that your eating habits and weight are just fine, but that you need to find a way to be more accepting of what you eat and how you look – that you are just being too hard on yourself and critical of yourself? Is there some emotional issue going on for you that drives you to overeat at times? Many people use food as a way to comfort themselves and self-soothe if they are feeling stressed, angry, or sad. Is this something you may do and, if it is, do you need to find alternate coping mechanisms to deal with any negative emotions or situations that may come up for you?

Unfortunately, FX cannot give an opinion on the answer to these questions without knowing more about you and the situation. But since it sounds like you are in some distress about this, we recommend that you have a mental health consultation where you can discuss these issues, come to a better understanding of what the main problem is for you, and explore the possible ways in which you can address the problems depending on what they are.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If you feel this is an issue around emotional overeating, you may consider looking into Overeaters Anonymous, a program of recovery from overeating. You can look into the program with the guidance of a parent, doctor, or therapist to see if it is something that might work for you.

Signed: TeenHealthFX