Food and food related illnesss
Compulsive
overeating, called in
formal termsbinge eatingis also considered afood addiction,
and the condition is characterized by the compulsive eating of food.
Professionals address this with either a behavior therapy model or a
food-addiction model.[1]
An individual suffering from compulsiveovereating
engages in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating, orbinge
eating, during which they may feel frenzied or out of control, often
consuming food past the point of being full. The term binge eating as slang
means eating when not hungry.
Bingeing in this
way is generally followed by feelings of guilt and depression. Unlike
individuals withbulimia,
compulsive overeaters do not attempt to compensate for their bingeing with
purging behaviors such as fasting, laxative use, or vomiting. Although they can
have the same feelings of guilt. Compulsive overeaters will typically eat when
they are not hungry or start eating and end of losing control. Their obsession
is demonstrated in that they spend excessive amounts of time and thought
devoted to food,
Signs
and symptoms
- Feeling of loss of control
- Eating much more rapidly
- Eating alone
- Feelings of guilt
- Preoccupation with body weight
- Depression or mood swings
- Rapid weight gain
Many eating
disorders are thought to be behavioral patterns stemming from emotional
struggles that need to be resolved in order for the sufferer to develop lasting
results and a healthy relationship with food. Compulsive overeating (along with
anorexia
andbulimia nervosa) is a serious problem and can
result in death in severe cases. However, with treatment, which should includetalk
therapy, medical and nutritional counseling, it can be overcome. SeveralTwelve Step programsdesigned to help members
recover from compulsive overeating and food addiction exist today