Bags of chips stuffed in the back of the closet, stashed behind an old hat box and a pair of clogs.
A hidden trail of M&Ms shoved in a shopping bag and locked in the glove box for a clandestine binge.
"Secret eaters" have wild stories about food -- and doctors say they also have even bigger problems.
A University of North Carolina survey found 60 percent of women have food issues. Disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are well-documented and widely reported. But there are categories of eating disorders you may not know about.
Secret eaters stash food and eat it alone. "Calorie prisoners" are consumed with adding up every morsel that passes their lips. The "career dieter" survives on fad weight-loss plans and crazed eating binges that lead to a lifetime of dramatic weight swings.
The categories sound almost funny. But don't be fooled; all of them are cause for concern and can lead to serious problems.
Dr. Jay Ashmore, who treats eating disorders, said there are signs every woman should recognize.
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One such sign? Using food to constantly feel better.
"Anger, stress and anxiety can trigger binge eating or overeating because it feels good," Ashmore said.
But food is no solution for a bad mood, doctors say. Eating problems can lead to obesity, heart disease and even diabetes if they aren't tackled early.
While little indulgences can be a great reward, doctors say to remember that you are in control of food.
The solution may be a two-step process, Ashmore said.
He recommends people find a more constructive outlet for negative feelings, such as scheduling exercise, spending time with a friend, window-shopping or some other enjoyable activity.
And he also suggests behavioral therapy to identify the core issue and find new ways to cope with it.
