Does my dad have an eating disorder?

Question

my dad is on a diet because he is overweight and has health problems

he knows that my family cares a lot about him losing weight because its important otherwise he could die of his health complications

he's lost some weight but i sometimes see him eating secretly and when he sees me he stops chewing & pretends he was never eating

also i know that he gets veggie burgers from fast food places and doughnuts too sometimes in secret.

i'm just worried, does he have an eating disorder??

whats going on??

i cant' ask him right now because i know he'll deny it and get defensive and upset and i dont want to upset him!!

Answer 1

It sounds like he's just cheating on his diet (unless you see him eating mass amounts of food or something...). He probably doesn't want you to see because he's embarrassed that he is having trouble following the diet and wants to set a good example and not scare you because of his health issues. Next time you see him eating healthy, tell him you are really proud of him for sticking to his diet. He'll get the message.  

Answer 2

   I would not say he has an "eating disorder".  I would say that he is probably trying to lose weight but has some will power problems.   Sometimes people want to lose the weight more than anything but continue to make bad food choices.   It comes from bad habits and carbohydrate addiction.    There are many diet programs out there now besides surgical intervention.  I am going to a physician assisted weight loss clinic to lose about 60 pounds.  I too have been down this road of Mc D's and Dunkin Donuts.   The physician assisted weight loss is good because they can prescribe him medications to curb his appetite so that he can gain control over his eating.   It is of course guided so that it is appropriate for his current health problems.  The results are quick and therefore motivational to remain compliant.  It is something for him to consider-   It is costly but in the end it can prevent or end diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.....    He is probably embarrassed.  Give him the support and encouragement.  Losing weight is hard!!  Good luck to him