Why You Can't Stop Eating: The Science of Weak Willpower | Dr. Vanita Rahman

Binge eating and emotional eating are not simply about willpower. According to Dr. Vanita Rahman, they are often driven by stress, shame, biology, habits, food environment, and the way the brain learns to use food as a coping mechanism.

In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Rahman joins Chuck Carroll to explain what is really happening when someone feels out of control around food — and how to begin breaking the cycle.

Chuck also shares his own experience with food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in secret before losing 280 pounds and transforming his health.

🧠 You'll learn:
- The difference between binge eating, bulimia, emotional eating, and stress eating
- Why shame keeps the binge eating cycle alive
- Why nighttime can be the biggest danger zone
- Why binge eating can happen even with healthy vegan foods
- Why "willpower" may be the wrong word entirely
- How a whole food, plant-based diet may help reduce cravings and support recovery
- Why group support can be so powerful for long-term success
- What to do after a binge to avoid falling into a spiral

Dr. Rahman is leading a 12-week Binge and Emotional Eating Program through the Physicians Committee beginning June 10. The program focuses on mindfulness, identifying triggers, nourishing foods, reducing vulnerability, and building tools for long-term success.

Also mentioned in this episode: The Rochester Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is hiring a Lifestyle Medicine physician or provider. Learn more at https://www.RochesterClinic.com or call 507-218-3095.

Exam Roomies of the Week
- Sharon Smith
- Mary DeCoster

💪 Binge & Emotional Eating Program
👉 https://bit.ly/overcoming-binge-eating

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🏥 Barnard Medical Center
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/barnard-medical-center

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.