overeating - Jezebel

posts about #overeating more →
"I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
Scientists (Sort Of) Explain Why We Overeat
New Book On Overeating: Should We Treat Mac & Cheese Like Cigarettes?
I'm Not Fat, I'm Just Smart

Your version of Internet Explorer is not supported. Please upgrade to the most recent version in order to view comments.

Dsmvwl Admin Promote to frontpage Approve user Ban user ×

mariamariamaria
07/17/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
You know what makes me so fucking sad? I look at that picture and all I see is an absolutely adorable little boy. It makes me so sad that he didn't see himself that way. That he couldn't see himself that way.
Reply

mariamariamaria was starred mariamariamaria was unstarred

Meglantine
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
That second quoted paragraph...I don't know how I made it past the second sentence. It's funny how I'd never put it together but that's the way the thought process goes.

Eesh. I only have a few slip-ups now and then but I still wish I hadn't read it. That is exactly how it goes. Wow.
Reply

Meglantine was starred Meglantine was unstarred

St. Francis of a Sissy
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
I had no idea that Bruni had struggled with his weight (really, the only thing I knew about him was that he liked to eroticize his reviews and that he sometimes made reservations as Star Trek Characters--Jim Kirk was a known alias). This is an interesting article to read in light of his recent announcement that he is retiring from the NYT food reviewer post, which, to me, is like a Supreme Court Justice--that's a job you only quit when you die.
Reply

bookling
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
I always appreciate hearing from men who suffer from eating disorders. When I was a teen, my dad suffered from anorexia along with his OCD and severe depression. It's so weird whenever I talk about it because NOBODY considers that men also suffer from EDs, and they assume that it has to be linked to image and weight issues, when it can be just as much control and anxiety.
Reply

bookling was starred bookling was unstarred

ellaesther
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
The way he talks about planning -- "you need to have a firm handle on the bathrooms in your life" -- so resonates with everything I've ever heard about EDs being about an effort to control at least that one piece of one's life. This is so well written. I wonder how many people will read it and go "holy fuck - that's me."
Reply

ellaesther was starred ellaesther was unstarred

snugbug
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
Kudos to Bruni for going on record with this, not enough attention is being paid to male eating disorders. I don't know that there even are specific support resources to guide along boys and men who suffer from it, like there are for girls and women.

And that graph is heartbreaking. I had a bulimic best friend in grad school, she's Korean and told me how coming from a culture where women are expected to be petite and dainty, her hearty appetite was a source of mocking within her family ever since she was a toddler.

At puberty, she started purging her meals on the sly--I'll never forget her telling me how she'd carefully stash away plastic shopping bags that she would spread out around the toilet while vomiting, to prevent splattering.
Reply

snugbug was starred snugbug was unstarred

Fridge Hussy : Is finally heading back to uni!
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
The only other male public figure i can think of who has openly discussed bulimia is John Prescott (former Deputy PM of the UK), and he had to suffer through "bulimic? Wouldn't have picked it HAWHAWHAW!" jokes.
Reply

Cafezinha
07/16/09

@Fridge Hussy : Is finally heading back to uni!: I think bulimics get that a lot, since they aren't often pin thin from their ED. It's a more "invisible" ED and because of that often gets taken even less seriously than anorexia (which is already massively misunderstood).
Reply

Cafezinha was starred Cafezinha was unstarred

gherkinfiend
07/16/09

@Fridge Hussy : Is finally heading back to uni!: I was just about to mention John Prescott. He is also a married heterosexual man from a low income background, so his ED seemed even more unlikely. I admire him for speaking out about it...but I fear the mocking the British press subjected him to may have made other men less likely to speak out about their ED. They should be ashamed, especially since they deified Princess Diana for the same condition.
Reply

gherkinfiend was starred gherkinfiend was unstarred

Cafezinha
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
The toothbrush thing gave me a lump in my throat. My co-workers always thought it was just my quirk that I liked to brush my teeth so often (and in fairness, I do love brushing my teeth), but they didn't know I was "freshening up" in there post-purge.
Reply

Cafezinha was starred Cafezinha was unstarred

Yahtzii
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
I read an editorial by Frank Bruni a while ago about his exercise habits, and he basically spends 2-3 hours at the gym every day, in an effort to manage his weight after eating 3,000 calorie dinners every night. When I first read this post, it immediately reminded me of that post and I found myself trying to connect the two, but he seems to have genuinely figured out his issues. If anything, his exercise routine appears to be necessary if you eat like he does. This book sounds fascinating.
Reply

Edited by Yahtzii at 07/16/09 6:21 PM Yahtzii was starred Yahtzii was unstarred

southernbitch
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
my father was bulimic when he was in high school. he was a wrestler, and wrestled in a very low weight class. he developed a really sick relationship with food- fasted for weeks, and then would break down and binge, purge, exercise obsessively. he always said that the best and worst nights of his high school career were the nights that wrestling was over for the season- he would go home and eat for as long as he could, throw up, and eat some more.

thankfully he wasn't good enough to make the college team, and then discovered leftist politics and found a new things to be into.
Reply

southernbitch was starred southernbitch was unstarred

R-Star
07/16/09

@southernbitch: Wrestling seems like one of the most dangerous sports for men in terms of weight. I went to high school with twins who were both wrestlers. They were put into different weight classes, and it was simultaneously fascinating and disturbing to see two people with identical genetic material look so different. One was bulked up and one was practically gaunt. On days they had to weigh in they would each carry an empty plastic bottle to spit into to make sure they didn't have any excess water weight. I can only imagine the long term damage that kind of obsession with weight does to a person.
Reply

R-Star was starred R-Star was unstarred

Penny
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
"Bulimia is a logistical and tactical challenge as much as anything else. It demands planning."

Wow, that really resonates. And what's so interesting is that there is so much loss/regaining of control with those behaviors that it is, actually, hard to "plan." I have recently relapsed and I have found that it was a result of opportunity (being alone a lot as a result of my boyfriend working late) than anything else.

When it comes down to it, these disorders impact people regardless of sex, and I think that in and of itself is something very important to recognize. His book sounds really interesting.
Reply

Penny was starred Penny was unstarred

scarletbegonia
07/16/09

@Penny: I appreciate this side of bulimia being presented, because a lot of people just think anorexia = ritualistic, logical, prissy and bulimia = sloppy, slovenly attempts at regaining control. It's good to see someone talking about how there is also ritual, twisted logic, etc involved with bulimia.
Reply

scarletbegonia was starred scarletbegonia was unstarred

Penny
07/16/09

@scarletbegonia: Well, sometimes it is that, to be honest. At least for me. But, it is important to not dichotomize the two sets of behaviors (Anorexia v Bulimia/CO) in that way.
Reply

Penny was starred Penny was unstarred

labeled
07/16/09

In reply to "I Was A Baby Bulimic," Now He's A Food Critic
Yikes, y'all. I'm NOT a bulimic and that quoted paragraph was fucking triggering to me.
Reply

labeled was starred labeled was unstarred

Penny
07/16/09

@labeled: Yes. It's triggering. But, it's also thoughtful and....correct. So, I don't know, for whatever reason I don't mind it. Even if it has some negative impacts on me, personally.
Reply

Edited by Penny at 07/16/09 6:11 PM Penny was starred Penny was unstarred

labeled
07/16/09

@Penny: That is exactly why I have such a hard time trying to decide how to talk about triggering things - because we do this weird thing sometimes where by trying not to be triggering, we actually elevate the "thing" into something more than it should be.

I'm hoping that came out (somewhat) the way it sounds in my head.
Reply

labeled was starred labeled was unstarred

Casquivana
07/16/09

@labeled: It is, very. But so many things you don't even think can be triggering end up being so, that it has to become a fight about learning how to deal with them instead of just avoiding them. I can't speak for anyone else, but at least in my case, the ghost of my ED is always lurking in the background, so I've had to teach myself to face things instead of just pretending I don't see them.
Reply

Edited by Casquivana at 07/16/09 6:27 PM Casquivana was starred Casquivana was unstarred

GoldenRatioφ (aka -girl11)
06/18/09

In reply to Scientists (Sort Of) Explain Why We Overeat
Well I'm a lucky duck that I've managed to stay a "healthy" size, and not have any eating disorders, because I am a truly frenetic, compulsive eater. I also was diagnosed with ADD two years ago. My doctor thinks I tend to overeat compulsively because there is so much damn static going on in my head, that it's a way to calm it down, and that it helps the dopamine neuron connections (um, not a scientist, sorry) function better when I'm eating. Then of course, there is the constant availability of junk, and the constant distractions going on around us to add to that.

I actually finally started taking Adderall a couple months ago, and while I absolutely would NOT suggest anyone take ANY sort of pill to help with weight loss, by treating the ADD, I've managed to calm myself down with the medication to the point where I'm not constantly eating, because I'm not really doing things as impulsively/compulsively anymore, which includes reaching into the chip bag. Honestly, I don't think it's a "natural" way to control the incessant desire to chomp down on things, but it's made life much simpler not to constantly be dealing with thoughts about food. It's not about weight loss for me, or I wouldn't dare post this on here, it's about controlling the constant urge to eat to calm myself. Of course, I'd take the medication anyway for the ADD, and maybe it wouldn't have that affect in people who don't have ADD, but I almost think it is cruel to expect people who may be having those similar thoughts about food just to control them because of the stigma of taking something like Adderall. I probably eat about the same amount that I did before (because I don't need to diet or lose weight), but it is a godsend not to have to agonize over it anymore.
Reply

Sonadelite
06/18/09

In reply to Scientists (Sort Of) Explain Why We Overeat
I have to go to an endocrinologist for a host of disorders, and to no fault of their own, most of their clientele have to battle against weight gain. So much so that one time a nurse added an extra hundred pounds to my weight, because she was so used to writing those types of figures. My former endo. noticed there was an error on my chart, lol, and my self esteem was wrecked for weeks!

What I'm trying to say is that I don't understand is why this study doesn't address insulin resistance, PCOS for women, etc., because clearly weight issues have a lot to do with endocrinology. [en.wikipedia.org] Essentially once your body hits a certain weight, if you are genetically prone, you'll have insulin resistance problems and then it will become nearly impossible to lose the weight. And in fact, because you can't process insulin correctly, you will just keep gaining weight. Or you will loose weight on a strict diet and exercise regimen, but not enough to not be insulin resistance-free. Moreover, hypothyroid patients typically experience insulin resistance after treatment even stabilizes their T3/T4. levels.

And in terms of preventing insulin resistance, it just shows why eating patterns in childhood is so important, and honestly, why people should be aware of their thyroid health, since it can screw up your entire system. I feel like a broken record when I comment on the "health/weight" items on the blog, but seriously, it's important. I don't want anyone else to have the year I've had!
Reply

Sonadelite was starred Sonadelite was unstarred

formergr
06/18/09

@Sonadelite: While insulin resistance and PCOS are really serious and can wreak havoc on a person's weight, the point of this article was that we overeat, and tries to get to the point of why.

It's not talking about weight loss or weight gain, which are definitely variable and are complicated by endocrine issues, absolutely. It's just talking about overeating, and why it might be easier for some than others to minimize it, and how it's gotten worse in the past 60 years.
Reply

formergr was starred formergr was unstarred

WashingMyHair
06/18/09

@formergr: Sonadelite is on to something that I rarely hear when talking about overeating in the general population. Hypo-thyroid is most common in women. It's still highly underdiagnosed, but in the last 30-40 years, has become a more and more common issue. It causes weight gain for a few reasons. One, which you almost never hear about is the because low thyroid causes a lack of efficient energy production, you become lethargic. However, this also triggers carbohydrate cravings to help create more energy. So even if you're full, your mind is telling you that you need more food (esp. carbs) to help bring that energy level up.
Reply

WashingMyHair was starred WashingMyHair was unstarred

tscheese
06/18/09

In reply to Scientists (Sort Of) Explain Why We Overeat
I wanted to echo a point that @kaiwhakamarie made - regarding the eating habits of the older generations.

My grandma and grandpa eat very hearty, rich food. They eat a lot of meat, eggs, cheese, and flour. They eat fried breakfast stuff (sausage, bacon) and eggs every day, but here's the thing--they eat small portions and they're always on the go.

Grandma makes the most beautiful baked dishes with melted cheese, and roasts and pan-seared meats and whatever, with sides of mashed potatoes and butter-drenched veggies--but instead of snarfing down gallons of it, she carefully places reasonable portions on an attractive plate. She freezes extra portions so she doesn't have to waste anything. She doesn't have huge giant ice cream bowls--she just has cute tiny little crystal dessert dishes.

Grandma and Grandpa eat slowly, too, and while they do keep sweets and ice cream in the house, it's not something they eat every day.

I think it's a different approach to eating. They have never really been in a hurry for any reason, either. They both work from dawn to dusk on the farm, but they never have any reason to snarf down something fast. They do everything promptly and efficiently in the fields and pastures, but when the day is done, they don't have to hurry. They can dawdle lovingly over a decent, reasonable portion of food, take pleasure in it, and savor it.

For me, my commute in the morning can be an arduous ordeal. I wake up starving at 6AM, and I need something that will fuel me for an hour-long bus ride and a long walk and frustrating deadlines. Then it's busy, busy, busy all day--I could slow down and pay attention to my food, but I seriously have better things to do-- and by the time I finally manage to do it all in reverse and get home and think about dinner, it's like 7:00PM and I have to wash dishes or try to work on freelance stuff or mop or sweep and then I still have to get in a workout, somewhere, and make dinner, and take a shower, and do laundry, and I don't even have academic obligations or children! I can't imagine how insane my life would be if I added more to the mix.

No, it's no excuse to eat like shit, but I think people today are overscheduled and crushed for time, and prepackaged unhealthy stuff can be really appealing. If you work full-time and you're trying to have some semblance of a meaningful personal life/interests outside of work, it can be very difficult to find time to prepare healthy meals, and the time to savor them.
Reply

tscheese was starred tscheese was unstarred

kaiwhakamarie
06/18/09

@tscheese: Yes! THIS.

Are you my cousin? ;)

My Dad (who is a nutritionist) is always trying to get my Grandparents to eat 'healthier' and they are genuinely perplexed most of the time. My Grandma has cut corn syrup out of their diet and eats little salt because they don't care for it, but for the most part they see no problem with their dietary habits because they ahve always eaten the same foods. Whole milk, breaded and fried meats, cooking with animal fats, etc - none of those things seem 'unhealthy' to them and they eat those things every single day. Grandma is always trying to shove a cheese biscuit in my face, telling me that its healthy simply because it has cheese in it. Cheese = dairy = good.

This is how they were raised. They are able to eat like this and still be healthy because they have always been and still are extremely active, they eat small portions and they don't sit around and snack on a bunch of junk between these meals. My Grandfather has a 4 pack of peanut butter crackers and a can pepsi every day at 10 a.m. and that is the only snack he has all day long (and its been that way as long as I've been alive). He's outside working from sunup to sundown. All this at 75!

You should see the looks on their faces when they see my 14 year old brother scarf down an entire family-size bag of flamin' hot Cheetos, wash it down with two Dr. Peppers and spend the rest of the day working off the calories by playing his Xbox.
Reply

kaiwhakamarie was starred kaiwhakamarie was unstarred

labeled
06/18/09

@tscheese: Add to all of the above that we have completely confused our metabolisms. I've gained weight recently, in large part because I've slipped back into my old habits - which means I frequently don't eat anything during the day but a handful of tortilla chips & salsa until dinner.

I'm pretty sure my body is in constant "feast or famine" mode - it is never sure when the next meal will come (stupid body, it's not like it's going to be long!) so it shuts down the metabolism to prepare for the famine.

I learned early on that when I was on Atkins I "had" to eat breakfast every day, or I wouldn't lose weight.
Reply

labeled was starred labeled was unstarred

Earlier discussions Other discussions Show all discussions Show featured discussions only Start a new discussion