Q:

Recently it's been really hard for me to stop eating... I won't even be hungry and I'll just start binging and it's really really hard to stop even if I start to feel in pain or sick from it. I've been told there's probably some sort of stress going on with me that's causing it, but other than just feeling a bit obsessive/compulsive about food and binging I'm fairly happy. I was just wondering what else if anything might cause it, and if there are any tricks I could use to help avoid binging until I can see someone about it.

 

A:

The most common cause for binging behavior is psychological (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders) but there are also metabolic reasons for binging behavior--blood sugar issues, cortisol or thyroid imbalances. All should be ruled out.

One of the best preventives is to choose hydration over eating. Flavored waters, or herbal teas can be helpful to provide a sensation of fullness that may distract you from feeling as though you have to eat something higher calorie.

~The Doc