OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking a Doctor Familiar with Binge Eating and GLP-1 Alternatives

Hello everyone, I find myself in a difficult situation and am turning to this community for guidance. I’m in search of a healthcare professional who has expertise in binge eating disorder and is willing to examine my entire medical background, rather than just focusing on my current BMI. To provide some context, I’m a 27-year-old woman, standing at 5’2” and weighing about 125 pounds. Over the years, my weight has seen considerable fluctuations; I once peaked at around 160 pounds and at times dropped to being underweight. Although my BMI falls within the normal range at present, I have been gaining weight and am feeling increasingly uncomfortable in my own skin. I’ve also come across information suggesting that GLP-1 medications might alleviate issues related to binge eating, which has been a persistent challenge for me. It’s important to note that while I don’t feel my relationship with food is at a crisis level currently—I’m not bingeing as often as before—I still struggle with persistent thoughts about food and occasional overeating. If unaddressed, I fear I will continue to gain weight gradually. My insecurities regarding my body have led to a decline in my physical activity levels, which seems to have created a cycle of ongoing weight gain. In just the last six weeks, I’ve put on around 5 pounds, and I can certainly feel the impact both physically and emotionally. My eating behaviors have developed over many years. At the age of 13, I lost a notable amount of weight by eating healthier (without intentionally restricting), which resulted in becoming underweight. It was then recommended that I consume as much food as I could to regain the weight quickly. This shift gradually morphed into patterns of binge eating that have followed me into my adult life. Throughout the years, my weight has fluctuated due to various life circumstances. The only period when I successfully maintained a healthy weight and felt at peace mentally was while I lived in Maine, an environment that felt secure and supportive. However, upon returning to a more triggering environment, old patterns of overeating and weight gain resurfaced. I am planning to move back to Maine soon, but the thought of continuing to gain weight before that transition is emotionally distressing to me. I attempted therapy directed at binge eating disorder, but it did not yield positive results. Currently, I’m engaged in therapy for both anxiety and depression and attend sessions regularly. In terms of medication, I'm on a regimen of Vyvanse (50 mg taken twice daily, although it's typically prescribed once) to help with overeating and topiramate (100 mg twice a day), yet I still battle persistent food thoughts and side effects that hinder my daily life. I want to emphasize that I’m not lacking motivation nor do I dislike exercise; in fact, I have a strong passion for fitness and was once a dedicated long-distance runner. My obstacle isn't the desire to work out, but rather intense anxiety about my body image and fear of the gym. At this moment, I feel too uncomfortable to exercise, even though I genuinely wish to. I am confident that if I could shed or maintain a minimal amount of weight, I would feel comfortable returning to the gym and re-establishing healthy habits. For me, a weight of around 110 pounds has always been where I feel the most at peace both physically and mentally. My aim is to maintain this weight rather than pursue additional weight loss or risk being underweight. I am concerned that without timely intervention, my weight gain will continue while I wait to move, which has become an intense source of anxiety. I’m aware that there’s debate surrounding GLP-1 medications, especially for those with a normal BMI. However, my interest is not rooted in cosmetic desires. I am curious if a low-dose GLP-1 might assist in mitigating food noise, minimizing overeating, and help stabilize my weight until I can transition to a more supportive environment. I’m not looking for shortcuts; I just want the medical support necessary to regain control and stop this downward spiral. This struggle has persisted for years, despite undergoing therapy and medication, and it deeply affects my mental well-being and overall quality of life. If anyone has tips on locating a physician well-versed in binge eating in Maryland or advice on advocating for care given my complicated history with eating, or even insights into cautiously using GLP-1 for overeating, I would be extremely grateful for your input. I kindly ask for understanding, as sharing this has taken a lot of courage for me. By the way, I live in Maryland just outside of Washington, DC, which may help in suggestions for doctors, but I am also receptive to virtual consultations.

Answers (1)

12/14/2025, 10:10:54 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are navigating a challenging situation regarding your relationship with food, body image, and emotional well-being. Your desire for a more balanced approach, particularly involving binge eating disorder and potential GLP-1 medication, is understandable. Here’s some advice tailored to your situation.

Key Points:

1. Finding a Specialized Healthcare Provider: Look for a healthcare professional who combines expertise in binge eating disorder (BED) with an understanding of metabolic and mental health support.
2. Exploration of GLP-1 Medications: Consider discussing the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications for managing your eating habits and weight.
3. Focus on Emotional Support and Body Image: Integrate supportive therapy that helps address body image issues and emotional well-being while you navigate these changes.

Explanation:

Binge eating disorder is complex and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Your past experiences with therapy and medication indicate that managing BED involves not only addressing eating behavior but also the emotional context in which these behaviors arise. People often find that their relationship with food is closely related to their body image and mental health considerations, as you mentioned.

Actionable Steps:

1. Locate a Specialist:

   • Search for ED Specialists: Look for registered dietitians or psychologists specializing in eating disorders, particularly BED. Websites like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) can help you find certified professionals near you in Maryland.
   • Consider Telehealth: If local options are limited, many practitioners offer virtual appointments, which can expand your access to specialized care.

2. Discuss GLP-1 Options:

   • Make an appointment with a healthcare provider who understands the use of GLP-1 medications for BED and discuss your specific goals and concerns. Prepare questions to ensure your needs and history are holistically considered.
   • Express your interest in trying low-dose GLP-1 medications, understanding both potential benefits and risks. Decisions about medication should be made collaboratively, listening to both your concerns and the provider's clinical advice.

3. Enhance Emotional Support:

   • Seek out a therapist with experience in body image work who can help you address raw feelings related to food and exercise. Consider emphasizing this need when you make an appointment, as it sounds vital for your journey.
   • Participate in support groups, either in-person or online, to connect with others who understand your experience. This can provide emotional reinforcement while discussing similar challenges.

4. Physical Activity Adaptation:

   • As you work on body image and emotional concerns, consider starting with small, enjoyable movements rather than intense gym workouts. Activities like walking in a safe environment or gentle yoga could help reestablish comfort with movement.
   • Journal about your feelings regarding body image and exercise, which may help you confront and express these emotions constructively.

5. Dietary Approach:

   • Focus on balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients to support your mental and physical health. Consider maintaining a food diary to identify triggers that lead to overeating, as this can provide insights when you discuss your eating behaviors with your provider.

Conclusion:

Your journey is uniquely yours, and the steps you take moving forward can empower you to regain control over your eating and well-being. Remember that it’s okay to seek support, and you deserve a healthcare team that listens to your individual experiences and goals. Reaching out for the right help is a significant step toward achieving a stable and healthier relationship with food and your body.