The Definition Of Compulsive Eating
Compulsive eating occurs when a person frequently overeats. It’s also known as binge eating. Binge eaters often continue to eat even though they may be full. They may also eat until they get sick.
It’s important to note that many of us overeat occasionally. Occasional overeating is usually not a cause for concern. There is criteria that the American Psychiatric Association uses to diagnose someone with a compulsive eating disorder. Below is a list of signs typically displayed by someone with a compulsive overeating disorder:
- Binge eaters consume a large amount of food in a short amount of time
- A person binge-eats at least two days out of the week for at least six months
- A person doesn’t purge after binge eating
- A person doesn’t realize that binge eating is abnormal
Causes of Compulsive Eating
There are a variety of factors that can play a role in the development of binge eating disorder. Many binge eaters suffer from body image issues because they have been teased about their weight. Negative feelings, such as sadness, anxiety and boredom, can play a role in binge eating disorder. There has also been evidence to suggest that eating disorder can run in families. Additionally, binge eating can be a side effect of some medications. Some psychiatric medications can increase appetite, which can trigger compulsive eating.
Why Is Compulsive Eating Dangerous?
There are a number of reasons that binge eating is dangerous. People who binge eat usually gain weight. A person can quickly become permanently obese if he or she gains a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Obesity can increase the risk of dangerous health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis and heart disease.
Additionally, people who binge eat typically don’t make the healthiest food choices. They typically eat foods that are high in sugar, sodium and fat.
Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorder
- Depression
- Being preoccupied with food
- Uncontrollable eating
- Feeling guilty about overeating but unable to stop
- Withdrawing from others
Compulsive eating can be very difficult to stop. If you have been trying conventional methods to overcome binge eating, but haven’t been able to stop, then it’s time to try an alternative solution. You would benefit by talking to someone who specializes in helping people with eating disorders… someone who has overcame a binge eating disorder and can help you.
