Overcoming Binge Eating

"The book is aimed at people with bulimia nervosa or other binge-eating problems, it's not a weight-loss or diet book - though there is a section with some general advice for those with a binge-eating disorder who are also overweight.

The first section summarises what is known about eating disorders, particularly about binge eating, and the various theories about what causes it, who suffers from it etc.

The second half of the book is a detailed self-help program which you follow step-by-step over a number of months, starting with a practical approach - monitoring your current eating, establishing a more regular pattern of eating, minimising the purging behaviours etc, this reduces the immediate symptoms and gets the problem under control. Then you tackle the emotional issues behind your eating problem, this helps make permanent changes to your eating and attitudes, not just a short-term fix for the symptoms. This is an evidence-based approach, based on the cognitive-behavioural therapies which have been proven to work effectively and help people with these disorders to regain control and return to a normal life.

This book will not necessarily single-handedly 'cure' a serious eating disorder, however it's well worth trying as a first step before seeking professional help, or alongside counselling or therapy.

I found the writing style very warm and compassionate, while at the same time being authoritative and intelligent. Obviously written by someone with an excellent knowledge of the subject, and practical experience in helping people with these problems. I found it a very useful resource, and the self-help program was very effective in breaking the cycle of binging and getting my life back to normal."
~ Written on 2008-04-29

"After two year of therapy my eating disorder was really getting me down. My eating was still uncontrollable and I was sick of living my life in this way, so I decided to buy this book in a desperate bid to get over it.
I have to say I was amazed at how quickly I managed to follow the guidelines, although I was very determined for it to work. You have to be prepared to put the effort in but I can now say that my eating is pretty normal.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is suffering with a binge eating disorder or even to a parent who wants to understand more about the illness. The self-help programme, demanding as it may be, is worth the effort if you really want to change. I did it so there's no reason why anyone else shouldn't be able do it as well. Good luck."
~ Written on 2008-01-24

"The book is based on real study cases and mixes very well the scientifical approach with friendly comprehensible writing. As someone who suffered for more than 10 years of binging and all the related nasty habbits coming from it I suggest you buy this book if you're anorexic, bulimic or both. I didn't follow the step by step program included but the very lecture of this book mirrored my problem and helped me get rid of the unhealthy lifestyle. Success! And a grateful "thank you" to the authors! "
~ Written on 2007-09-23

"This is a wonderful self help book...it talks straightforwardly about the problem and gives a very straight forward self help plan. I have been trying to change my eating for many years and read many books...this book really helped me!!"
~ Written on 2006-07-30

"I bought this book in desperation when I was completely unable to control my eating. A month later I am (usually!) eating 3 regular meals and 3 small snacks a day.

I was impressed that what is in the book is based on real research. The author doesn't make any miraculous claims but is realistic about what is achievable.

The programme Fairburn sets out is easy to understand and starts small eg just record what you're eating & how you're feeling, then progresses so over time you learn how to deal with the urge to binge.

I think one of the other reviews says this is a 12 step programme - this makes it sound like Overeaters Anonymous, which is misleading. The author does not recommend abstaining from any specific foods, and the steps are not similar to OA - and there aren't 12 of them!

If you need help to sort out your overeating then I would say for a few quid this book is definitely worth a try."
~ Written on 2005-10-27