ehealthyland.com

Compulsive overeaters are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. With the eating disorder of Compulsive Overeating food is used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Many compulsive overeaters speak of using the episodes as a way to numb all that is going on around them. The amount of food eaten and duration can vary greatly.

For many individuals suffering from Compulsive Overeating, binges may not be able to be broken into specific episodes but rather days where the individual eats more than normal throughout the day. Triggers for compulsive overeating include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction.

Compulsive overeating may temporarily relieve the stress of these unwanted feelings, but for the individual the overeating episodes are unfortunately followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and further depression. For the Compulsive Overeater, episodes of Compulsive Overeating usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others.

1.Eating when hurt, angry or upset
2.Buying large amounts of food
3.Excessive consumption of food
4.Rapid and extreme weight gain

Compulsive overeating is an “addiction” to food. The common thread between this type of disorder and Anorexia/Bulimia is that the behavior is rooted in feelings of low self – esteem. Compulsive overeaters rely on food to help them cope with stress and anxiety, or as a way to make up for the things that they feel are missing in their lives.

Compulsive eaters are usually overweight and aware that they have an eating disorder, but find it difficult to change since the problem lies in their inability to properly cope with emotional issues.

Men and Women who suffer from this disorder are at high risk for high blood pressure and cholesterol, kidney failure, arthritis, bone deterioration, stroke and most especially heart attack.

Here are some symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from compulsive overeating:

1.Stores food in odd places for their convenience (usually inside their bedrooms, so that they wouldn’t have to walk to the kitchen if ever they feel like eating.)

2.Tends to feel that food is their only friend

3.Has the tendency to blame their “being fat” whenever they fail in their social or professional life – also thinks that losing weight will greatly improve their happiness and sense of fulfillment.

4.Has a significantly increased appetite when stressed or anxious

5.Perspires easily and experiences shortness of breath even when physical activity is relatively light

6.Tries to lose weight by trying popular diet fads but this often results in eventual failure

7.Resulting weight gain can lead to other problems like high blood pressure, cholesterol and leg and joint pain.

8.Prefers to eat alone because they are ashamed of eating habits

9.Not being able to control eating

10.Difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight

Compulsive overeating is accompanied with much guilt and shame. People with this condition often feel that they are not good enough and are ashamed that they could not control their eating habits. This only makes it worse because their negative feelings only lead them to more compulsive overeating. Food is how compulsive overeaters deal with their craving for acceptance and appreciation. Some use their overweight appearance to keep people away because they subconsciously feel undeserving of love, while others use it as punishment whenever they feel bad about themselves. One does not become successful in overcoming this condition unless they gather up the courage to face the real emotions they are afraid to feel and unless they can honestly admit the issues that cause them to be stuck in this destructive behavior.

Know that bingeing, or eating uncontrollably even when you are not hungry, is one of the primary symptoms of compulsive overeating.Recognize that a preoccupation with body weight may be a signal that someone is suffering from an eating disorder, such as compulsive overeating. This preoccupation may manifest itself in the form of obsession over food or excessive commentary regarding diet or exercise.

Depression and mood swings may be both symptoms and underlying causes of a compulsive overeating disorder. It is essential that a full mental health assessment be made of any patient who exhibits symptoms of depression and an eating disorder, such as compulsive overeating, to determine what underlying causes may be behind both.Notice whether you or your loved one has a history of significant weight fluctuations. A marked fluctuation in weight gain or loss may be indicative of a compulsive overeating disorder.Recognize symptoms that may indicate another eating disorder such as bulimia. Those who are compulsive eaters do not typically purge after eating by vomiting or following an aggressive exercise regimen. They also do not typically engage in other purging habits through medicinal assistance, such diuretics or laxatives.