CASE STUDIES

MAGGIE’S STORY 61 years old, 61kg:

I was only a little child when I had a very strong interest in food and it only grew in my teenage years. I would be climbing through cupboards and stealing money out of purses to buy treats.

I don’t come from a huge amount of weight. My story has been very much about being body-obsessed, dieting and running. I would regularly go up 10kg, use exercise to get the weight off, and then go straight back up.

I’d stand in front of the fridge when I needed to be somewhere else doing something useful. I’d always want just one more bowl.

Then, at 48, I went on holiday and just had the most terrible time with my eating. I came back and went to an FA meeting with a friend and so identified with everyone.

BELLA’S STORY 39 years old, 53kg:

I’m addicted to sugar, flour of all kinds, and quantities. Even with my smaller weight, I can go to a buffet and easily out-eat my husband and adult sons who are athletes, but walk out feeling sick and ashamed, and still want to go back for more.

Putting the food down gave me great anxiety. I would be under the bed covers during the day just crying and having unfounded fears.

Since I’ve stopped having sugar and flour, my depression has just lifted completely.