Overeater

I am an overeater, I'm also a Drug Addict.  I am usually on the addiction board.  My story is as follows:
I have been overweight all of my life, I weighted 95 pounds in the first grade.  I was teased terribly when I was younger.  When I turned 18 (1994) I weighed in at 464 Lbs.  My doctor said "Son you've gotta do something about your weight, there is this new weight lose medication called Phentermine!"  Well he put me on that and I lost so much weight, in 2 yrs I weighed in at 185 Lbs.  Now in 2001 I have nearly put the majority of my weight back on, I weigh almost 340.  I don't know what to do, I've had people tell me "Maybe you were born to be fat!" Well, I don't think so.  When I get hungry, I go to a fast food place and I'll order 2 value meals, not 1, 2!! I don't have any self control whatsoever.  My question(s) is
1. Does anybody know of a mental disorder associated with what I do?
2. Is there anything left I can do?
3. Are there any new meds except, Adipex, Meridian I can try?

I need help, I am sick to death of this problem.
Thanks
Chad B

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

This is obviously a tough and long standing problem, but your story has some hope to it.

You did it before. What worked then, and why not do it again?
YOur problem is overeating, not metabolism. That can be controlled. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist who does cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Because of your weight, other parts of your life are not working out well, and you are undoubtedly depressed about that. Work on that with a therapist.

Try the free course in the Mastering Stress program above to get you started.

[chad]

Thanks for your help everybody.

[rmg]

I have "many" problems, and a couple of them are similar to yours.  I have been told that I am a compulsive overeater because I am trying to self medicate with food.  In my case I suffer from depression, etc....

I am presently on 3 different medications:  one of them for depression, because I turn to fried foods, chocolate and sugar when I am depressed.  

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone.

[chad]

Thank God.  I feel ya.  Thank You, take Care