Those who suffer from Compulsive Overeating (also known as binge eating) use food to calm stresses and life problems, numb feelings, and to fill a void. The compulsive overeater is usually aware that their eating habits are abnormal and often feel guilt and shame because of it. Their food consumption may consist of eating three meals a day with snacks in between, eating continuously throughout the day, or eating large amounts all at once. Though compulsive overeating often results in obesity, this does not mean that all obese people have this disorder. It is estimated that as many as 4 million adults suffer with this eating disorder, affecting two males to every three females. The physical complications of compulsive overeating are: weight gain, depression, gall bladder disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, bone deterioration, kidney disease/failure, arthritis, fatigue, nausea, and stroke.
Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
"Here are some of the common warning signs that suggest a person may be suffering from binge eating disorder. The person:"
- Eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry.
- Eats much more rapidly than normal.
- Eats until the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
- Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment.
- Has feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating.
- Has a history of marked weight fluctuations.
Overeaters Anonymous has a 12 step program for compulsive overeaters.
compiled from the following sources: http://psychologytoday.com/conditions/overeating.html http://www.something-fishy.org/whatarethey/coe.php http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/nutrition/ec_compulsiveeating.htm http://www.renfrewcenter.com/for-you/signs-symptoms.asp http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/Bingeeating.html
picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehelm/4454701044/