From Tammie, Child's Age 17 - 04/08/20 - IP#: 173.81.124.xxx Click here to reply
Hello, this is my first time posting here. My daughter is somewhat chubby (5 feet and 140ish pounds). My problem is, she seems to take food whenever she is left home alone. Somehow she is still losing weight (she was 170 ish pounds) but I’m not sure how. Anyway, what do I do about her sneaking food? A few months back I found evidence of her hoarding snacks in a drawer in her room. Every time she’s left alone, food turns up missing. She’ll go through half a jar of peanut butter, or half a box of cereal, or bread, in one sitting while me and her dad are not home. I even think she’s eating the sugar and flour. I don’t know what to do.
Reply from Christine, Child's Age 16 - 05/22/20 - IP#: 115.64.68.xxx I agree with Jesse, what you are describing sounds very much like bulimia nervosa. A psychological disorder in which sufferers consume large amounts of food (usually highly palatable foods such as chocolate, ice cream, cakes etc) and then make themselves sick afterward. If your daughter is suffering with this disorder she will need professional help. This would explain the weight loss factor even though it seems she is taking in large amounts of food. I wouldn’t speak to her directly about it until you have proof that this is taking place but definitely keep your eye out for other signs such as your daughter going to the bathroom routinely after meals or a lingering smell of vomit. Sometimes you may also notice marks or cuts on a sufferer’s knuckles from their teeth. I hope everything turns out okay.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 11 - 04/09/20 - IP#: 174.239.3.xxx Tammie, last fall we took part in a program at a Pediatric Obesity Clinic. They spoke about kids sneaking food, and what they called bingeing and purging. Gorging yourself on food then making yourself throw up. I'm no psychologist but what you describe sounds like this. I think you should consult with your daughter's pediatrician and tell her/him what you wrote here and see what they recommend.
