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Alice YoungThe obese, food-addicted British woman who planned her own funeral in advance
Date of Birth: 01.01.1984
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Morbidly Obese and Food Addicted British Woman Plans Her Own Funeral
- Food as an Addiction
- Childhood Trauma and Weight Issues
- Impact on Family and Health
- Seeking Help and a New Path
Morbidly Obese and Food Addicted British Woman Plans Her Own Funeral
Alice's Struggles with ObesityAlice, a 495-pound British woman, faces an insurmountable battle against her food addiction and obesity. Each evening, after putting her twin children to bed, she descends into a cycle of binge eating, consuming her favorite yet detrimental foods. Her unhealthy habits include consuming cheese and Snickers milkshakes, doubling the recommended daily calorie intake of 2,000 to a staggering 4,000.
Alice acknowledges the self-destructive nature of her behavior but remains unable to break free from its grip. At her heaviest, she reached 532 pounds, leading her to contemplate her own funeral. "I have written my will, and my mom knows exactly what music to put on for my send-off," she confessed in the documentary "Eating Ourselves To Death." "I hope I make it to 40, but that depends on what changes I make."
Food as an Addiction
Alice's food addiction has crippled her freedom. She believes she has deprived her children of healthy nutritional habits, ensuring they will not follow in her footsteps. "I tend to snack when the kids aren't around because I don't want them to see me," she explains. "It's my secret."
Ironically, Alice prepares balanced meals for her family, including vegetables and chicken. It is only in the late evening that she succumbs to her food cravings. Seeking solace in food, she can devour an entire bag of crisps, a packet of cheese crackers, and a large chocolate bar.
Childhood Trauma and Weight Issues
Alice's weight struggles began in childhood, accompanied by relentless bullying. "I have always been big," she said. "I can't remember a time when I was a 'normal' weight. And I've tried every diet under the sun."
Bullies would throw matches at her, spit on her, and sing mocking songs. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Alice would spend her allowance on cream cakes, chocolate, and sweets. She would often sneak food from the cupboards and hide it under her bed to binge on in private.
By the age of 15, Alice weighed 250 pounds, but her desire for a soulmate and a loving family persisted despite the torment she endured.
Impact on Family and Health
Alice and her husband, Mark, initially rejoiced over her healthy pregnancy, but her health has since deteriorated. "My body just doesn't do what other people my age can do," she explains. "I should be running around with my children and enjoying walks... but I physically can't."
"I used to work in pubs and bars before having the kids, but doing that sort of job is pretty much impossible for me now."
Her mother, Jane, confronted Alice on camera in "Eating Ourselves To Death," pleading, "Do you want to see your children start school? Do you want to see Grace in a big white wedding dress? Because you bloody won't if you carry on the way you are."
Concerned by his wife's thoughts of her own funeral, Mark gave Alice an ultimatum, forcing her to seek medical attention.
Seeking Help and a New Path
In an attempt to address her food addiction, Alice has begun to reduce her consumption of crisps and chocolate, finding a glimmer of hope in the process. "It's only recently I've realized that I'm not just putting my life at risk," she concludes. "I never thought about how my children would be affected."
Britain is recognized as the "fattest" nation in Western Europe. Individuals living with obesity face a 20-year reduction in life expectancy. Obesity-related deaths in the UK amount to approximately 30,000 yearly.
