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Drawing that line of control
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Considering that overeating is the symptom of a deeper problem, it needs to be addressed seriously. CHARUMATHI SUPRAJA checks out a support group that helps those who can't stop eating.
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FOOD IS the stuff that life is made of. Some like it hot, some like it cold, and some can't have enough of it — hot or cold. There's a very thin line between eating and overeating. In a City such as ours, which houses several Darshinis pizza-chaat outlets, dhabas, and idli-dose camps, stressed out urbanites find themselves overeating. Two individuals, who found that their overeating had actually become a problem, founded the group, Overeaters Anonymous (OA).
OA consists of persons who found that their lack of control over food was taking a toll on their self-esteem, relationships, career, and of course, their health. (As anonymity is one of the main principles of this group, names are not mentioned.)
Says X, one of the founders of the group in Bangalore: "I am a diabetic and was never strict about my diet. I found it impossible to stay off those desserts and sweets that I was strictly not to have. More than my health, my binge sessions were affecting my self-esteem. They made me feel guilty."
While talking to a friend about this problem, he heard of a support group called Overeaters Anonymous in California. When he saw that their tenets were simply based on a "let's join hands and get out of this mess" philosophy, he adopted its ideals along with another friend. The fact that they both were part of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for over 25 successful years helped them to use this group support technique more effectively.
When getting rid of one dependency, one is vulnerable and often falls into the trap of some other dependency or abuse, feel some OA members, who started overeating when they managed to shake of their alcohol addiction.
This self-supporting (doesn't accept outside contributions or ask for donations) group meets thrice a week and welcomes all persons who feel they desperately need help to overcome overeating. Their approach towards checking the problem is based on techniques that involve shifting the dependence on food to a dependence on each other's support or even a spiritual power. For those who are scared away from the group by the mention of spirituality, R, another member, clarifies: "If we use the word God here, it refers to a God of your understanding. There are even atheists in this group who have made the group their strength."
The focus is primarily on group support. Firstly, it removes the feeling of shame and loneliness in having a problem and paves the way for solution seeking. The members can call each other when they feel they are in a weak moment. At the meetings, total honesty is expected and appreciated. They feel that this accountability to each other helps.
Considering that "over-eating is only a symptom of deeper problems", it's always better to first undergo a clinical screening, explains Prabha Chandra of NIMHANS. She does agree, however, that such groups are very effective for any dependency. It removes the "me-alone" feeling, and pushes the person towards finding the solution. But she feels that the reasons for overeating can be various and individualistic. "It could be an eating-disorder or a symptom of depression." Having dealt with young women with such problems, she says: "Many women, working or otherwise, find themselves prone to eating for all the wrong reasons." And to solve the problem, it is important to look closely for those reasons.
Malika Verma, a behaviour therapist in NIMHANS, agrees that such groups can be helpful. "It is a good idea for persons who are low on motivation to solve the problem and lean on group motivation and the group's ego." The only pitfall according to her is that the members sometimes lean too heavily on each other or their ideas. If there is a crack, a member leaves, or the group stops meeting, it may result in their falling back to their old ways.
Instead of shifting dependency from food to each other, an attempt should be made to resolve it, she says. In the light of high-stress levels and pace of living, eating has become more than just a homely, survival-related chore.
Food is higher than ever in the urban consciousness. Whole newspaper supplements are devoted to the making and eating of it, or to suggestting the newest places to gorge oneself. Five star chefs, on TV screens, dictate food styles. And of course, there isn't an internet portal that doesn't give you "mouth-watering recipes". No wonder those over booked weight-loss clinics and the various cries for helps!
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can be contacted on 9624282527.
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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