Starting out as the heaviest kid in the class, Alan used food as a comfort to overcome the bullying and name calling. He was still sporty and athletic but preferred to eat on his own in his room. Alan’s mum worried about his weight and his eating habits and tried to help him through naturopaths and weight loss food programs.  In his twenties he realized that drugs and alcohol were making things worse and managed to overcome their influence but food continued to be a problem. Married and with a young family Alan’s obsession with food got out of control as he modified his work and home life around access to food.  Alan was introduced to Food Addicts through a personal trainer and has been able lose about half his body weight since joining around 3 years ago. FA was the only approach to healthy eating that worked for him.

Sarah’s story is similar; she also grew up as an overweight child in a family where food was a big part of the culture. Her family were constantly on diets and body image and shame played a big part in moulding her attitude to her problem.  Always looking to lose weight she was influenced by any success that her friends were having with diet, exercise and eating programs.  The death of one of her children sent Sarah on a year-long eating spree to soften the blow of her overwhelming grief, before realizing that she had a real problem with food. A friend, already in Food Addicts recommended that she join and Sarah found that after 12 months she also lost around half her body weight. Food no longer filled the emotional gap and Sarah can enjoy a normal life with her young kids, it has improved her relationships and now she can buy normal clothes.

If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 03 8594 2282 or see their website foodaddicts.org.