Compulsive Eating Disorder and Binge Eating

Those that eat uncontrollably or frequently have episodes of binge eating suffer from what is known as compulsive overeating disorder.  While a man or woman is in the midst of binge eating, they may not feel that they are at all in control.  They eat at a much quicker rate and even though they may be uncomfortably full, they will continue eating.  Following these moments, they generally feel guilt and depression.  An important difference between bulimics and compulsive overeaters is that overeaters do not compensate due to guilt by methods such purging, using laxatives, vomiting, or fasting.

Even though they may not be hungry, compulsive overeaters will still eat.  Thoughts of food occupy their head and they have secret food fantasies, typically involving eating alone.  As expected, their activities oftentimes lead to obesity and weight gain.  However, it is important to keep in mind that not all obese people are compulsive overeaters.

Other activities compulsive overeaters may participate in include grazing behavior.  That is when they return back throughout the day to constantly pick at food again and again.  Obviously, this behavior will result in the accumulation of a large amount of calories, even though each serving may be small, it will still add up in total.  If binging is the primary activity of the compulsive overeater, she is said to suffer from a binge eating disorder.  If there is an absence of binging, but still continuous overeating, then she is said to have a compulsive overeating disorder.

Compulsive Overeating Disorder’s Possible Damaging Effects

If someone who has a compulsive overeating disorder does not seek treatment, he or she may suffer serious medical problems as a result.  These problems include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, clinical depression, and heart disease.  Other long-term risks include arthritis, stroke, kidney disease, and bone deterioration.

The following are symptoms of compulsive overeating and binge eating disorder:

• The fear of not being able to control your eating.  While eating, the fear that you can not stop.
• Eating alone – afraid to eat with others around
• Attempt to diet with various different dieting plans
• Constantly dreaming of a better life after loss of weight
• Leaving food in hidden places (cabinets, under bed, closet, etc.) to eat later
• Non-specific eating patterns
• Makes self-defacing declarations after eating
• Uses weight as an excuse for social and professional failures
• Believes that their only friend is food
• Out of shape – can not carry on light activity without breathing heavily
• Sweats a lot and oftentimes out of breath
• Cholesterol problems and high blood pressure
• Joint pain and leg pain
• Excessive accumulation of weight
• Subsequent loss of mobility
• Decrease of libido or increased promiscuity
• Prone to quick changes in mood, fatigue, and depression
• No set sleep patterns; insomnia