Binge eating while gaming/working

I have been following this forum and noticed how many people have found support here—which leads me to hope that someone might be able to offer me some guidance as well.
I am 36 years old, hold a steady job, and earn a decent salary. I recently ended things with my girlfriend because her parents intervened once they realized our age gap—she is still a minor... and she even mentioned that someone more attractive her own age had caught her eye.
It was quite devastating, and I have been feeling rather low these past few days. I hesitated about whether to start a thread, but ultimately decided to reach out in the hope that someone can help.

The core issue is this: I have developed a dependency on eating while sitting in front of my computer. Every single meal... without fail. If I am watching a movie, I feel I must eat while I watch; it provides a sense of comfort. Conversely, if I try to eat "plain"—without any screen to focus on—I find it difficult to eat, I lose my appetite, and I feel as though I am missing out on something vital, like a scene in a show. I also spend an excessive amount of money on food. It is frankly embarrassing when I walk into a grocery store like Kroger or Publix and load up my cart with mountains of snacks, sodas, chocolates, and cookies. I buy everything sweet imaginable just to fuel my late-night movie marathons—sometimes staying up until dawn. This is a daily occurrence. As soon as my paycheck hits my account, I go on a spree, loading the car with treats and driving home. People at the checkout often ask if I am buying all this for children, and I end up making up excuses because the shame is too much... sometimes I even visit multiple stores just so I don't have to buy everything at once. I have tried to stop, but I simply cannot seem to live without it. My ex-girlfriend actually enjoyed this habit for a while, and we shared those moments together... but eventually, she grew tired of it and told her parents.
My typical routine, excluding weekends, looks like this:
I am at work from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
By 4:00 PM, I am already home and settled in front of the PC, watching movies and eating—often several times before evening sets in. For me, it feels like a necessary escape from the workday, followed by some time on Facebook before heading to bed.
On weekends, the pattern remains largely the same, aside from running errands in town or occasionally grabbing coffee with coworkers or visiting relatives—which I do every other weekend. Once I return home, the cycle of overeating in front of the monitor resumes.

Standing at 5'7", I weigh about 230 pounds. A colleague suggested that I could turn things around if I joined a gym, noting that my weight is likely a result of my sedentary office job. I felt a bit ridiculous about going to a gym where most of the crowd consists of kids, though he—being my age—eventually convinced me to try. We went once after work, and it wasn't entirely just teenagers; there were a few people our age there.
The instructor tried to guide me through the motions, suggesting that I could see improvements in a year or two, but the experience was so taxing and uncomfortable that I gave up. I am just not built for weightlifting. I won't post a photo, but suffice it to say, I have no muscle definition—my stomach is protruding, and I lack any chest development. I am not overly obsessed with my appearance, as I know others have it worse, but I would love to break this addiction. I want to be able to eat without a monitor in front of me and perhaps slim down a bit... so that when I go out with my friends on the weekends, women might look at me differently. Perhaps, if I change, my former flame might reconsider.

Does anyone else deal with similar struggles? Have you managed to overcome them—perhaps through medication or other means? I would appreciate any advice.

Look, it’s pretty obvious you're lacking discipline here—and honestly, you’d benefit a ton if you just started building it up bit by bit. It isn't some mystical trait you're born with; it's more like a skill you practice. Anyone can get disciplined if they try. The trick is making these tiny, incremental moves every single day. If you try to overhaul your entire life overnight, you’re just going to burn out and lose all your drive before you even get started.

Your biggest issue, though? You’re planning ahead too much. Like, you consciously decide you’re going to sit at your desk and eat, so naturally, you head straight to Target to grab snacks. My advice? Just don't buy them. If they aren't in the house, you won't be mindlessly munching on them while staring at your monitor. If you can't even manage that level of self-control, then do something drastic—take your credit cards back to Chase and tell them you only want access to cash. And for heaven's sake, don't withdraw more than what you absolutely need to survive the week. Also, tell your family or roommates what you're trying to do. Sometimes having that social pressure—knowing people are watching and expecting you to stick to your word—is way more effective than just making promises to yourself that you'll probably break.

Good luck 🙂

It feels like you didn't actually stick to the topic you opened up here.
Honestly, I don't think that's even your real issue—maybe it’s more about how people interact with one another?
The way this is written just gives me that impression.

Thanks, Zac Efron—sent you a DM
Regardless... if there are minor issues similar to what you mentioned, let’s set those aside for a moment.
The real issue is that I can't even eat an apple without staring at a monitor; it's baffling to me that no one else has come forward with this exact struggle—it seems impossible that no one else relates to this.
I realize that most kids these days live their lives in front of a computer, but please—you younger people—speak up and share your experiences or thoughts. It might help me; feel free to reach out privately as well.
This started even before I had a PC—back when I would sit in front of the TV to eat—but this is worse. I used to have some sense of moderation, but now I've lost all control; I just eat as long as the movie is playing, shoving whatever is within reach into my mouth—sweet, salty... My weight reflects this reality, and how could it not, given that I eat regular meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus all this sugar and snacking. On any given day, I probably consume four or five pounds of chocolate and cookies, perhaps more, because I eat at my desk at work, and I don't even count what I do at home while watching a film. I'll buy an entire cheesecake and finish it during a single movie... I know it isn't healthy, which is why I am searching for a way to help myself.
I've tried various methods. One was attempting to eat nothing but breakfast all day, but I gave up after a few days because the cravings became overwhelming. I also tried not eating in front of the computer, but then I lose my appetite entirely and can't eat anything—my stomach cramps, and I simply can't manage it...
I enjoy sitting here and eating while watching movies, mostly because it feels good to be as far away from my coworkers and everyone else as possible. I pull the blinds so I don't have to see anyone, shut the windows, and crank the volume on the film so I don't have to hear them—I have no desire to listen to their mindless chatter and nonsense. I don't communicate with anyone in my apartment building, except for a brief "hello" as I pass by. It's the same at work, though occasionally two colleagues I actually get along with will ask me to grab coffee, and we'll sit and drink.
My days pass like an hour; by the time I get home from work, I'm on the computer late into the night. I'm not even doing anything productive—it's just important to me that I'm online on Facebook or somewhere else, just to feel alive. I click aimlessly through icons or play games until my eyes turn bloodshot, and then I go to sleep, always waking up exhausted.
Does anyone have any advice or an opinion?

Depression, the crushing monotony of everyday life, dodging people, just running away from a reality that feels way too harsh...

Why do you think some things are better left unsaid?
Maybe those thoughts aren't the cause—maybe the overeating is just the symptom.
Real life isn't some polished Hollywood production. It’s made up of the mundane stuff too—like hearing neighbors gossiping in the hallway. Those people might not have
public Facebook profiles, but they're out there claiming they feel just as alive as you do.

Look, older people aren't automatically wiser, but you can't just lump them all together in one big category.
If you’ve lived in the same apartment complex since you were a kid, sometimes the people around you just can't keep up with
how much you've changed. You shouldn't judge them for being different, or narrow-minded, or... whatever else. They’re closed off, even if
they aren't making it obvious.

Just imagine if those people were right—the ones who told you that you’d end up stunted if you spent your whole childhood eating junk food in front of the TV.
Are you still trying to prove them wrong just for the sake of it?

The first post clearly states he's 36 and was dating a minor.

Either this whole thread is just clickbait, or the guy is a predator. Why can't we just call things what they actually are?

He’s 36 and was in a relationship with a child. What else are we going to call it?

It’s almost like you don't even realize what the issue is.🤷 I mean, it looks like standard life dissatisfaction—maybe even depression—and the overeating is just a symptom of all that. You should probably try doing something other than working all the time. Find a hobby, meet some new people, something.

Oh, and you said you don't really want to deal with people.🤣 Well, I don't know, you can't just live your whole life glued to a computer and expect things to actually get better.🤷

A relationship with a minor isn't pedophilia. Look, there are plenty of things that fall under that umbrella, but this isn't one of them—period. You can either try to have a constructive conversation here, or you can go find something else to browse elsewhere.

I honestly find it hard to believe—I share a bit about my life and the reactions I get are just... well, being labeled a pedophile?
Yes, I was involved with a minor. At the time, the feelings were mutual, but everything changed once she told her parents and we had to part ways. I am not a pedophile; I never coerced her into anything. In many parts of the world, love doesn't strictly follow an age bracket—just look at how the media handles cases where a professor or teacher enters a relationship with a student; they frame it as a romance rather than a crime. No one brands them a predator, yet here I am being attacked by people who don't even know the specifics of how we met or what our relationship actually entailed.
Our relationship was kept private, and I never forced her into anything she didn't want to do. Had things gone differently, I would have simply waited a few years until she reached adulthood, then approached her parents to discuss marriage... but unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.

Brandon Foster7, I wasn't asking for your opinion on the relationship itself, but rather regarding my actual problem—please re-read my initial post.

I expect responses that actually address the topic at hand. Thank you.

Venus, I would appreciate it if you refrained from posting in this thread further—it seems we have fundamentally different views of one another, and I get the impression you are simply looking to be hurtful.

Just to clarify for those of you offering support: my primary goal is to address this obsession. People aren't the issue—they are entirely irrelevant to me, and I have no desire to change that dynamic. I am quite comfortable as I am. I simply want to fix this for my own sake—to stop straining my eyes and perhaps lose a little weight...
I realize this might seem trivial to some, but walking away from the computer to eat elsewhere isn't as easy as it sounds. For me, this feels like a physical hunger; I cannot bring myself to eat anywhere else. I have tried, repeatedly, to the point of exhaustion, but nothing works. It likely sounds ridiculous to anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand...
However, I am certain that anyone dealing with a similar struggle understands exactly what is at stake and how difficult it is to break free. If anyone reading this recognizes themselves in my words, I would truly value a conversation. To be honest, depression, relationships, or social circles aren't nearly as significant an issue as this compulsion.
It is easy for outsiders to judge and suggest simple fixes, like "just sit at the dining table instead." That is no different than telling an addict to quit drugs or a smoker to put down the cigarettes. I know because I smoke myself—and this may, in fact, be even more difficult...

hiddenpanther3 said:Thanks, Zac Efron—sent you a DM
Regardless... if there are minor issues similar to what you mentioned, let’s set those aside for a moment.
The real issue is that I can't even eat an apple without staring at a monitor; it's baffling to me that no one else has come forward with this exact struggle—it seems impossible that no one else relates to this.
I realize that most kids these days live their lives in front of a computer, but please—you younger people—speak up and share your experiences or thoughts. It might help me; feel free to reach out privately as well.
This started even before I had a PC—back when I would sit in front of the TV to eat—but this is worse. I used to have some sense of moderation, but now I've lost all control; I just eat as long as the movie is playing, shoving whatever is within reach into my mouth—sweet, salty... My weight reflects this reality, and how could it not, given that I eat regular meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus all this sugar and snacking. On any given day, I probably consume four or five pounds of chocolate and cookies, perhaps more, because I eat at my desk at work, and I don't even count what I do at home while watching a film. I'll buy an entire cheesecake and finish it during a single movie... I know it isn't healthy, which is why I am searching for a way to help myself.
I've tried various methods. One was attempting to eat nothing but breakfast all day, but I gave up after a few days because the cravings became overwhelming. I also tried not eating in front of the computer, but then I lose my appetite entirely and can't eat anything—my stomach cramps, and I simply can't manage it...
I enjoy sitting here and eating while watching movies, mostly because it feels good to be as far away from my coworkers and everyone else as possible. I pull the blinds so I don't have to see anyone, shut the windows, and crank the volume on the film so I don't have to hear them—I have no desire to listen to their mindless chatter and nonsense. I don't communicate with anyone in my apartment building, except for a brief "hello" as I pass by. It's the same at work, though occasionally two colleagues I actually get along with will ask me to grab coffee, and we'll sit and drink.
My days pass like an hour; by the time I get home from work, I'm on the computer late into the night. I'm not even doing anything productive—it's just important to me that I'm online on Facebook or somewhere else, just to feel alive. I click aimlessly through icons or play games until my eyes turn bloodshot, and then I go to sleep, always waking up exhausted.
Does anyone have any advice or an opinion?

This could be your answer. If you're doing this just to feel alive, it means your daily routine isn't giving you the fulfillment you need... You're likely just using this to compensate, much like how people turn to comfort food to fill an inner void. Both the compulsion and the food are just symptoms, really. They're the response to a deeper question... What exactly...? You're the only one who can...

If you’re open to talking things through with a professional, like a therapist, maybe working with one could help you find some clarity...

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but it’s pretty obvious you’re dealing with a mountain of issues here.
Just because you aren't acknowledging them doesn't mean they aren't there.
It seems like you're only looking for advice from people in your exact same boat—I guess you only really value their perspective.

Try hanging out with people in person more often instead of staring at a screen all day; you might find you aren't eating quite as much, too.

Think about this: if someone came to you asking what a recovering addict should do about their cravings, what would you tell them? Since you love drawing parallels, why wouldn't you give that kind of advice?
You don't have to be an ex-addict yourself to offer some guidance, right?

hiddenpanther3 said:Venus, I would appreciate it if you refrained from posting in this thread further—it seems we have fundamentally different views of one another, and I get the impression you are simply looking to be hurtful.

Just to clarify for those of you offering support: my primary goal is to address this obsession. People aren't the issue—they are entirely irrelevant to me, and I have no desire to change that dynamic. I am quite comfortable as I am. I simply want to fix this for my own sake—to stop straining my eyes and perhaps lose a little weight...
I realize this might seem trivial to some, but walking away from the computer to eat elsewhere isn't as easy as it sounds. For me, this feels like a physical hunger; I cannot bring myself to eat anywhere else. I have tried, repeatedly, to the point of exhaustion, but nothing works. It likely sounds ridiculous to anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand...
However, I am certain that anyone dealing with a similar struggle understands exactly what is at stake and how difficult it is to break free. If anyone reading this recognizes themselves in my words, I would truly value a conversation. To be honest, depression, relationships, or social circles aren't nearly as significant an issue as this compulsion.
It is easy for outsiders to judge and suggest simple fixes, like "just sit at the dining table instead." That is no different than telling an addict to quit drugs or a smoker to put down the cigarettes. I know because I smoke myself—and this may, in fact, be even more difficult...

If you were twenty-five and dating a seventeen-year-old, I might not have much to say, but at thirty-six... Have you truly considered the consequences for HER, for the youth she is losing? She might claim she’s happy, or she might be impressed by the attention of someone who is supposed to be mature, but the responsibility rested on YOU. Even if you entered into such a relationship, the burden was yours to end it out of love for her, if what you say about loving her is true. If she is a minor around sixteen or seventeen, I wouldn't call it pedophilia, but if she is younger...

But regarding your questions about overeating and the computer: you are acting with full premeditation the moment you purchase those quantities.
This is clearly a form of addiction. Stop going straight home after work. Go for a walk, give yourself a task outside the house, or strictly limit your screen time to three or four hours a day. Treat yourself to a bag of snacks or a pound of various fruits. If you don't keep them in the house, you won't graze.

Regardless of the specifics, you need to find a way to feel fulfilled and content. Life is far too short. You need a roadmap. What is it that you actually want?

If you cannot construct that roadmap on your own, you are going to need help, whether that comes from a friend or a professional.

I spend my time trying to connect with people—right now, I’m actually searching online for a woman to meet in person—but it isn't going well. To be honest, my luck in person has been even worse... I don't see much difference between the two methods; this just makes things slightly easier for a man, which is a fine thing, I suppose. I have attempted to meet women in real life before through similar channels, but nothing changes. For instance, at work, there was a girl I didn't want to approach too aggressively; I would simply walk up and say, "Hi, how are you? You look tired today," or "I noticed how hard you work, I’d love to be friends if you're up for grabbing a coffee or perhaps lunch or dinner somewhere..." and she would just tell me to keep dreaming.
Some women go even further—they tell me to get lost. Whether they are my age, older, or younger, that is essentially all I have experienced from women in my 36 years.
Even the older women notice these interactions; they see it happening and tell me, "Listen, colleague, don't even bother. You can see that girls these days are just trouble—they aren't ever truly satisfied, they're just playing a part."
But honestly, in this day and age, luck plays the starring role in everything. It has become a lottery, not just for me, but for other guys in similar situations. What is the point with a woman who is 50, married, and has two or three children? She finishes her shift and goes straight home to her husband and her domestic responsibilities... and it's the same story with those aged 35 to 50.
Then there was a 38-year-old woman—single, with a child—who wasn't even married, but she wouldn't even listen when I offered to buy her a drink. It was as if I had asked her if she wanted to sleep with me; that was how she took it. She told me I was too old for her. She doesn't want anything, yet she won't even let younger men approach her because she’s terrified someone might label her a slut... God help us.
I am the type of person who knows how to value and respect others; I would never intentionally hurt anyone. My colleagues at work—they are just acquaintances, really—we chat during breaks, but it's all very superficial. They just gossip about which woman is attractive or which one they should try to "catch"... I don't know what to call people like that. Whatever they say goes in one ear and out the other.
There have also been times when new employees arrive who don't know anyone; I approach them politely and try to start a conversation, but they just stay silent. Once the break is over, they'll just say, "Why are you talking to yourself? I'm not interested."
That happened most often because there are always new staff members coming in, sitting alone, and I've tried everything. I am not like many people here, nor am I like that in person. I am not looking for "casual friendships" just to lead to sex. Fortunately, I come from a good family—well-raised, not obsessed with such things, not constantly thinking about them. I am simply a natural person. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a true friend, given how many pretenders and opportunists exist these days, not to mention the rest... I am a sensitive, understanding person. Many would say I have a kind heart.
Regrettably, I have encountered many deceivers, but in the last five years, I have only met seven real people—three women and three men—whom I have actually sat down with more than once or twice.
Since I started searching online, I ran into a woman who seemed interested. I suggested we be friends and get to know each other; she agreed and everything seemed fine, though it felt a bit strange when she volunteered her Skype address immediately. Still, I thought to myself, it’s hard to find a decent person these days, so why not take the risk? I am a man, and it has always been a man's job to strive and pursue. We connected, and she called me when I was busy, and I saw exactly what she meant. I don't know why this is so prevalent in Europe, but I've seen it appearing here in the States too, and apparently, entire cities are full of it. When I answered the video call, I found myself looking at two women on camera, one performing an act on the other... you can imagine. It was just a couple of women using the internet to entice men for sex. I shut that down immediately and deleted Skype.
Look, I will tell you something: I am a man, and it is true that men are in high demand these days. Situations arise where a man's needs are sought after, and it's normal to seek relief. Honestly, I enjoy it, but I am not obsessed or hypersexual. If I have a relationship, it is a normal, healthy one based on love... but the things you see today, with all these opportunists and pretenders, is something else entirely.
I recall walking through a local park last summer while heading home—I couldn't tell if they were tourists or just some crew filming something, though frankly, I didn't much care...
As I passed by, I stumbled upon a scene where two young women were pressed against a tree, kissing in broad daylight. Naturally, people noticed—everyone was staring—but I simply maintained my manners and kept moving. A few onlookers threw comments my way, pitying me for being caught in the middle of such a spectacle, but I just quickened my pace to escape the awkwardness. Sex, at its core, is a beautiful thing—certainly an interesting moment to witness—but to me, it isn't anything extraordinary. It is a standard human function, quite much like eating... an occasional necessity. Even for those who are single and find their own ways to satisfy themselves—you know what I mean—it is all perfectly fine with me, provided it remains within the bounds of normal behavior and moderation.

Regarding your question about whether someone needs to be a former addict to provide an answer—no, that isn't strictly necessary. However, someone who has actually overcome such struggles can offer genuine insight into the process and the hardships involved... which is far more valuable than advice from someone who has no idea what they are talking about and can only resort to guesswork.
I respect everyone's input and assistance, but I would simply prefer to speak with someone who has faced similar challenges.
Please, feel free to share your advice, whether you have direct experience with this issue or not.

So, you’re basically using overeating as a coping mechanism. You need to find a replacement for that.
Try meditating, hitting the gym, reading some actual heavy literature—basically just doing the work on yourself and how you interact with women.
Maybe go grab a copy of "The Art of Seduction" online and refine your strategy, but honestly? Fix your own headspace first.
You’re just a little bitter, nothing more. Once you actually understand how human psychology works, you won't spend so much time playing the victim.