Using "fat as a shield". Are there any books out there on this topic?

OldSchoolGirl · 10-24-2004, 08:59 AM

Hey all, I've been reading a lot of posts lately about people thinking that they use their fat as a shield or barrier against the world around them. I'm sure that this must be something that has been clinically proven somewhere, so I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any books about it? I'm beginning to think that this might be one of my problems and I'd like to read a few books or articles about it to help me get down to some of the emotional reasons why I'm obese. Thanks!

I posted this in the Main Lobby also, but thought this might be a good place to get responses, too.

Also, if you don't have any "facts" or articles to share with me, but want to share your own thoughts on the subject, that would be great too.

MaryMary · 10-25-2004, 09:04 AM

I don't know of any books, but just last Friday my psychiatrist asked to me to contact a trauma analyst to determine if traumatic events during the years 0-12 could be classified as a mild case of PTSD. I guess the reasoning is today there is a growing amount of research making the connection between obesity and childhood trauma i.e. emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse of some kind. I am calling the analyst today. I would imagine though that I had a genetic propensity to turn to food where as someone else might turn to drugs or alcohol, to numb the pain that I don't want to relive. So for me fat was a shield, my brain was dulled with the sugars and I didn't have to feel feelings. It has been nearly 4 years now and I am processing my feelings with the help of a 12 step program, my doctor and my sponsor.

katmamma · 10-28-2004, 10:36 AM

Hello,

You might want to read:

"Losing Your Pounds of Pain - Breaking the Link between Abuse, Stress and Overeating"
1994
Author Doreen Virtue, Ph.D
Publisher Hay House, Inc. Carson, Ca

This book is probably not exactly what you are looking for but it is about a similar topic. The author discusses how past traumatic events in the past might cause a person to abuse food.

fla gal 57 · 10-29-2004, 11:16 AM

oldschoolgirl,
i just sent you a pm message, hope you got it ok.

I got yours and so i wrote you back sending you my email address so you can just write me here at home if you want and lets talk more about the low carb and the book i told you about.
Good luck with the low carb.

10-24-2004, 08:59 AM	#1
OldSchoolGirl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 10,130 Gallery: OldSchoolGirl	Using "fat as a shield". Are there any books out there on this topic? Hey all, I've been reading a lot of posts lately about people thinking that they use their fat as a shield or barrier against the world around them. I'm sure that this must be something that has been clinically proven somewhere, so I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any books about it? I'm beginning to think that this might be one of my problems and I'd like to read a few books or articles about it to help me get down to some of the emotional reasons why I'm obese. Thanks! I posted this in the Main Lobby also, but thought this might be a good place to get responses, too. Also, if you don't have any "facts" or articles to share with me, but want to share your own thoughts on the subject, that would be great too. Last edited by OldSchoolGirl : 10-24-2004 at 09:10 AM.

10-25-2004, 09:04 AM	#2
MaryMary Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: New Hampshire BMI:57/24-Maintaining Posts: 4,839 Gallery: MaryMary Stats: 376 lbs/155 lbs//Age 60// 5'7" BF%:47+%/28.4%/25% WOE: GSA Cambridge Greysheet "www.greysheet.org" Start Date: Atkins 1/22/01; GSA 12/23/03 - Total Loss 221 lbs.	I don't know of any books, but just last Friday my psychiatrist asked to me to contact a trauma analyst to determine if traumatic events during the years 0-12 could be classified as a mild case of PTSD. I guess the reasoning is today there is a growing amount of research making the connection between obesity and childhood trauma i.e. emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse of some kind. I am calling the analyst today. I would imagine though that I had a genetic propensity to turn to food where as someone else might turn to drugs or alcohol, to numb the pain that I don't want to relive. So for me fat was a shield, my brain was dulled with the sugars and I didn't have to feel feelings. It has been nearly 4 years now and I am processing my feelings with the help of a 12 step program, my doctor and my sponsor. __________________ 2001/2002/2003 - Lost 105 lbs. on Atkins & exercise 2004/2005/2006 - Lost 116 lbs. on the Cambridge Greysheet & GSA (www.greysheet.org) - A 12 Step Program for Carb Sensitive Folks 2006- Panniculectomy - Surgically removed 6 lbs. hanging skin 2007/2008 - Maintaining Free from Compulsive Eating Abstinent since 6/21/2004 by the grace of a Power greater than myself My Journey in Pics from Jan 2001 to June 2006 --LOST 221 LBS. - PEACE !!!--

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10-28-2004, 10:36 AM	#3
katmamma Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario Posts: 24 Gallery: katmamma Stats: 198/156/135 WOE: Protein Power Start Date: June 29, 2004/re May 17, 2007	Hello, You might want to read: "Losing Your Pounds of Pain - Breaking the Link between Abuse, Stress and Overeating" 1994 Author Doreen Virtue, Ph.D Publisher Hay House, Inc. Carson, Ca This book is probably not exactly what you are looking for but it is about a similar topic. The author discusses how past traumatic events in the past might cause a person to abuse food.

10-29-2004, 11:16 AM	#4
fla gal 57 Guest Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 991 Gallery: fla gal 57 Stats: yr.2000--325 lbs. now in yr. 2004 215 lbs. WOE: Atkins Start Date: nov. 2000	oldschoolgirl, i just sent you a pm message, hope you got it ok. I got yours and so i wrote you back sending you my email address so you can just write me here at home if you want and lets talk more about the low carb and the book i told you about. Good luck with the low carb.