I am not racked with self-loathing. Some issues of guilt and shame, but I'm a pretty good guy.
I became hugely overweight and then hated myself because it was a form of self-abuse, something over which I had no control. I think the thing compulsive over-eaters want to achieve is that stuffed-full Christmas afternoon feeling.
I'm more pompous and self-assured and determined that if - you know - if the truth can be told so as to be understood, it will be believed.