By: Jean Johnson for Reflux1
Part One: Understanding compulsive behavior
While eating and activity are critical aspects of normalizing weight, profound behavioral issues influence people’s ability to engage in healthy options. Thus, this three-part series on tackling obesity and overweight will start with perhaps the stickiest wicket of them all – behavior.
While some folks can correct weight problems by happily passing on the pie, most people equate controlling eating behavior that is not in their best interests with the prospect of climbing Mt. Everest. And for many, what first seemed like a straight forward matter of just cutting back on calories turns into a life-long nightmare of yo-yo weight loss and rebound not to mention eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
The American Obesity Association notes that weight problems are exacerbated by living in modern, urban societies where even the lowest socio-economic groups think of televisions, cars and fast food as essential. Other experts on the subject point to the feast-famine problem or the idea that since our gatherer-hunter ancestors gorged themselves when food was plentiful, we come by our tendencies to overdo it at the table or on the couch honestly.
Any way the problem is viewed, though, the sad fact is that finding a way in to manage counterproductive eating habits over the long haul has proved to be the bane of sufferers. Why, some wonder, when they understand the problem intellectually and even often start the day with the best intentions, do they repeatedly fall prey to destructive eating patterns and wind up in front of the bakery window.
The University of Massachusetts isn’t shy about it when it comes to their faculty and staff. “Everyone has problems sometimes,” reads the quote above a drawing of Einstein resting his head on his chin. Elizabeth Holtzman, LICSW, a facilitator at the school’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, gets right to the heart of the matter.
“When one thinks of an ‘addict’ the association that may come to mind is of an alcoholic lying in the gutter or a junkie stealing to get their next fix. The scope of addictions and addictive behaviors is much wider, however,” Holtzman writes. “Compulsive behaviors are rooted in a need to reduce tension caused by inner feelings a person wants to avoid or control. The key point is that the activity is not connected to the purpose it appears to be directed to, and is likely to be excessive. Examples could be a person who is afraid of bonding with a partner choosing to zone out with the TV, or a person who has never had enough love filling up on a gallon of ice cream.”
Overeaters Anonymous, the 12-step program of recovery from food addiction, publishes a variety of literature that discusses the compulsion as it applies to food. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” If U Mass and OA are right, anyone that has difficulty changing their eating habits might be said to have a few bats in the belfry.
Across the board, though, the message is those willing to accept the idea that they are on a treadmill that will never supply the emotional sustenance they’re after can begin to see about some serious change. Arriving at this juncture, though, is no mean achievement.
Said Denise L., member of OA with 13 years of recovery from compulsive overeating, “People have to get tired of trying the same old thing before they can open themselves to a new way of looking at the problem. It’s something that can’t be rushed, but when people are ready to do the work, the 12-step program never fails.”
Whether those who have had no success in changing their eating patterns opt for an OA program, seek psychological assistance, or get counseling that helps them light a candle or take a walk instead of turning to food to relieve stress, most in the field of behavioral change seem to agree that nothing in life is as hard – or as rewarding.
Said Bob Wilson, author of the Balanced Weight Management Web site and an individual who has had years of recovery from serious over-eating, “My story shows an example of how one person worked with the process of making lifestyle changes. It turned out to be a lot easier to learn about new foods and to become more active in my daily activities. For me, the difficult areas to transform were life-balance, self esteem and self talk, emotional eating, and learning the skill of problem solving when things weren't going well.”
Continued in Part Two
