There are several reasons why a person might engage in overeating, compulsive eating or binge eating. Sometimes it’s as part of an eating disorder, but it is often experienced by people in response to a long history of dieting, as an emotional coping tool, as a way to manage boredom, as a habit… and a lot of the time, people don’t know why they just can’t seem to control themselves around food.
We know you’ve probably been told to just eat less, or tried to follow various plans involving eating mindfully, or slowly, portioning foods or filling up on safe foods. We aim to consider the wider picture of what’s going on for you. Our team uses a combination of evidence-based treatment models and practice-based experience to offer tailored guidance in support of feeling in charge of yourself around food.
Do you feel hesitant about asking for advice or help?
There are plenty of valid reasons to feel unsure about seeking help or advice—you may feel that you’re not sure if you’d like to be make a change or that you even want help or advice. You may also feel you’ll be judged for your eating or your weight. Emotions like shame and guilt frequently come into play too. By providing non-judgemental, sympathetic, expert advice, we’re able to help you figure out how to regain your confidence in eating well, to support your health without denying yourself pleasure.
Our approach to assessment and how we can help
As dietitians specialising in eating behaviour, we can assess and contextualise your eating habits. We understand the spectrum of eating behaviours and how compulsive or overeating is a part of a much bigger picture. Our first step is always to get to know you and your experience of food and your body, as well as your past experience in working with others in this area and any other illnesses you may be experiencing. Then, we can begin to work out together what next steps (if any) might look like.
We can also help you figure out whether it would be worthwhile to see a GP in seeking any official diagnoses. If this is the case, your GP may be able to assist you with what’s called an Eating Disorder Plan. This plan will allow you to access Medicare-subsidised sessions with both dietitians and mental health clinicians.
No pressure
On the other hand, after some investigation and discussion together, you may determine that overeating is something you’ll be able to manage without ongoing assistance from a dietitian or mental health professional. Sometimes, simply being able to discuss and contextualise concerns and feelings is enough. Everyone’s situation is different, and while our assessments are evidence-based, we are not interested in formulaic, inflexible approaches to care.
Book a session with one of our dietitians
If you’re feeling ready to discuss your thoughts and concerns, we’re ready to help. Get in touch with our team now to set up an initial consultation.
