OVEREATING

HI I AM A MOTHER TO A WONDERFUL 12 YEAR OLD. IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS THINGS HAVE REALLY CHANGED IN HER LIFE. HER FATHER IS GETTING A DIVORCE AND IS SEE SOMEONE ALREADY, THE FATHER HAS 3 ADDITIONAL KIDS IN WHICH HE HAS GIVEN CUSTODY OF 2 OF THE KIDS UP. MY DAUGHTER IS DOING POORLY IN SCHOOL, WHICH IS UNLIKE HER, AND SHE HAS GAINED ALOT OF WEIGHT IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS, FROM A SIZE 4 TO NOW A SIZE 10. SO MY QUESTION IS ... IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE HARDSHIPS SHE IS GOING THRU NOW, OR COULD THERE BE A MEDICAL PROBLEM.. IE DIABTIC OR THYROD PROBLEMS.. PLEASE HELP

THANK YOU

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Given the turbulence in the family environment, it is quite likely that your child's overeating is in response to stress. Of course, in the process of thorough assessment, investigation of possible medical etiology should be pursued. In the absence of a medical origin for the overeating, an evaluation by a pediatric mental health clinician would be useful.

[PamD]

I agree with what the doctor says.  Check out her physical health, and if it's normal, please seek the help of a mental health professional.

I began the habit of eating when stressed at a later point in my life, but I have had to contend with it always.  It is not an easy habit to break, because everyone has to eat.  It's not like alcohol or cigarettes that you can say, "I'll never have another one."

Best wishes to you and your family during this troubling time.