it's an addiction, which many would consider a disease just like someone who is addicted to alcohol. usually addicts are addicts for life and hav to always be guarded against temptation. i dont ever expect to be free of that...i think it's something that can go into remision. and it can be controlled if we choose to control it. even being totally thin doesnt mean we're cured. i lost 40 pounds and was a size 4 and now im back up because i thought i was cured and i let my guard down. i started allowing myself the trigger foods that cause the over eating...and not b4 long i was feeding my addiction until i let it take control. hope this helped....i dont wanna sound negative b/c im not...i do believe we can control this and be healthy forever if we keep fighting and never giv up.....good luck...eteh

A disease is something that has specific symptoms, is progressive and will kill u if it is not treated. In my opinion WE have a chronic dis-ease that takes it's toll on us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

((HUGS))
Nicol

thank you for the responses.
So how do I go about dealing with my addiction? I'm already in therapy (for various issues). What else can I do?

youre doing so much by just being here. support is key.. i was going to OA meetings and found them extremely helpful. they talk about how to fight the addiction and which foods can be potential triggers for loss of control. being abstinent means staying away from these foods...primarily white flour and sugar...they also offer a diet plan and you can get a sponsor...also theres a call list and youre suppose to call 3 people a day to talk about stuff. it's so great...it's nice to know you hav so many people to count on and to know you hav people to account to...good luck to you and let me know how things go. you can totally do this. ive seen people who had the addiction bad and were well over 300 pounds and came down to a very healthy normal weight...key is they never stop going to the meetings...it may sound daunting to think you hav to keep going to meetings or keep up with the support groups online but it sure beats living with the addiction controlling us and being so over weight.......

Regardless of what any medical professional would tell me, I consider my uncontrolled eating a disease. If I don't stop, it will kill me: either physically or because it will sink me further into depression.

I agree with Eteh: we're never cured of this, and if we let down our guard, look out. I lost 110 lbs once. Cut out flour and sugar. Felt great. Then I let up. And I've gained almost all of that weight back.

Thankfully, this time, I have this site, and I didn't have that the last time I started my weight loss plan. I know I can depend on the people on here to be encouraging and non-judgmental.

I know I can pull myself up out of this. But yeah, it's something we gotta stay on top of.

OA is like AA to the alcoholic. They use the same 12 steps just changing the words alcohol to compulsive overeating. They don't subscribe to any special food plan...It is the members job to find a food plan that they can live with One Day at a time. I suggest that you check out OA on the web by putting Compulsive Overeating into your search tool and check it out...I don't want to preach or turn you off...It has so change things for me though...

Peace,
Nicol