Do I have an eating disorder?

Only a doctor can diagnose you with an eating disorder. If you are truly concerned, seek a professional opinion.

I believe there is an official binge eating disorder...maybe look into that?

Stupid question: Why does your pantry have food in it that can kill you?

Edit: Not being mean. For example I LOVE kiwi. Recently (last few years) developed a pretty serious allergy to it. I don't buy kiwi because it would be a bad idea to tempt myself into eating it. My husband does not buy kiwi or food with kiwi in it because he would rather me not die...

Fair enough. I just wanted to make sure those closest to you were being sensitive to your health needs. Growing up in a family where you clean your plate and don't waste food this was a difficult lesson to learn: Throw it away... Or bring it to work and share they calories as they have been doing to you. I try to avoid the break room during the holiday season because of said goodies. Bring healthy snacks that you enjoy for yourself as a substitute. Hey, maybe your office might take part in a new years biggest loser. Might bring down the food bringing for everyone. Good luck!

Yes, given how insurance works here in the US (and probably most countries) you will likely receive a diagnosis as soon as you see a professional. Of course, if you go to a visit related to your diabeties, maybe less so since they already have a billable diagnosis. That being said, if this is something that you have had a hard time tackling on your own maybe professional is the way to go. Take note if what is driving your eating. If it's just boredom, then probably not an ED.

Edit: You really can diagnosis just about anything these days. The question still remains, what value are you placing on the diagnosis? The purpose of a diagnosis is to name an issue so other professionals understand the issue at hand when reviewing records. Creating a common language if you will. It also guides treatment. But it's not magic.

is it a case that you CAN'T stop yourself going for the food, or that you don't want to stop yourself?
if you are honestly like blue in the face trying to force yourself not to, and you still can't resist it, maybe it's a disorder
if it is simply a case of "oh, i shouldnt, but yum yum i will anyway" maybe it is greed, laziness or you are looking for a way to explain it away..

only you can answer that really

I understand this isn't a medical community. But I'm sure as soon as I go see a professional, I'll have a "problem", if you know what I mean.

I just want to know, is this just me needing to work on impulse control and changing habits, or something that I do need to talk to a doctor about, beyond my physical health problems.

I think that you should try working on controlling your urges to eat bad food and changing your habits. You can do it on your own. But if you've been trying and still have a hard time controlling it, then you should seek professional help. There's no shame in that. I think you just need to figure out if you've done all you can on your own. Only you know how much of an issue this is for you.

You seem bored. Try keeping your hands and/or mouth busy, with sugar free gum or hard candies, a hobby that takes up both your hands (for example my husband does miniature modeling and I sew).

Have you considered checking out overeater anonymous groups (online or in person)?

It seems like lack of impulse control... Not really a medical problem but it is a mentality you can change... I have found intuitive eating really helps... Focusing on what I am eating and why and what it does for me emotionally helps me stay in the present and not go back for more.. Also I have a rule to only eat at the table so there is no mindless snacking on the couch and next thing I know I've eaten my whole portion and don't feel satisfied... Lastly try pre-logging your meals... Even if I am hungry it helps me to know I have a meal planned in an hour or so and then I can better control my urge to immediatley feed my hunger...

There are lots of books and articles on intiutive eating I reccomend at least reading some of it... some of it is kinda out there but there are some good take aways.

I have had T1 diabetes 28 years & I find that happening to me also. Then my sugar will get high & other stuff. I recently started chewing Extra gum & it has helped me out. Good luck!

I can totally relate! And also feel like it's a bit of an eating disorder. I'm not one to dwell on labels though, and instead, seek the cure. So I'm trying to get a grip on my eating with the "No S Diet". Google it and let me know what you think. It's basically, "no sweets, no seconds, and no snacks, except on S days (Sat, Sun, Special, Sick days). It's helping me put boundaries on my eating. Now, since I know I can't snack between meals, I find other things to do. I've taken up the hobby of working out for two minutes whenever I'm bored. LOL

I just finished this awesome book called Made to Crave by Lysa Tuerkhuerst, it's about making healthy food and fitness choices. One of the things that I learned is this simple thought: we crave what we eat. If we get bored or upset (or have some other trigger) and the urge to eat something sweet, wander to the frig, or go check out the snacks in the break room is really strong (a craving) it's because we have eaten those things in the past. Everytime we eat in response to an emotion or a trigger we reinforce a habit, which begets a craving.

I can see this pattern repeatedly in my own life. Example: at one job I had my boss kept bowls and jars of peanut M&Ms around. I love plain M&Ms but peanut I could take or leave, and I ignored them for weeks. But one day when I was in his office I ate a handful. Then I came in later in the afternoon and had another. And before long every time I was bored, stressed or had a project I procrastinated I would walk in and take a handful of peanut M&Ms. Because they were there, available, my boss just kept refilling all the jars and bowls, and before long I was eating probably equivalent to a pack and a half of peanut M&Ms every day. If I tried to stop I would sit in my office fighting the urge to go in there all afternoon. It got so embarrassing I would go on my lunchbreak to the grocery store and buy a big bag, replace some of the ones I ate in his office, and eat the rest over a couple of days so I would stop eating his. The more I ate them in response to emotions, the stronger the craving became. After that guy finally moved on to another job I never craved peanut M&Ms again. I did something similar at a later job, when someone brought in Krispy Kreme doughnuts every Thursday - I would never stop and buy a doughnut at a store but once I started eating one every Thursday then I would sit in my cube being miserable, hoping that the KK doughnuts would all be eaten so I could concentrate on something else. I craved the doughnut simply because I had eaten it in the past. This is not an eating disorder, it's just a continuously reinforced habit.

The good news is that you can turn the Titanic around - if you start eating healthy foods and stop eating in response to triggers, you will gradually stop those cravings. You might even crave good foods - or at least look forward to certain healthy meals that are satisfying. For now get rid of all the foods in your house that are not healthy - because why expend energy trying not to eat them.? It's exhausting and discouraging and if they aren't there you have nothing to try to resist. Eventually when your cravings subside you may be able to have certain things in the house again - but sugar and carbohydrates are highly addictive, so it's easier not to start because your brain will quickly start the cravings again.