About Compulsive Overeating
see also About Eating Disorders

Individuals who overeat compulsively are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating and depression.

Compulsive overeating is used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Some people speak of using the compulsive overeating episodes as a way to numb all that is going on around them. The amount and duration of food eaten can vary greatly for a person struggling with compulsive overeating.

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

Similar to people with anorexia and bulimia, individuals with compulsive overeating are constantly struggling and unhappy with their weight. Often the number they read on the scale determines how individuals feel about themselves. Constant dieting and restricting food becomes a way of life. In most cases, each diet ends in failure and all the lost weight is quickly regained, thus continuing the devastating cycle.

Common medical complications from compulsive overeating are:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiac problems

If any of the following symptoms apply to you or a loved one, contact us. You or your loved one may be at risk of compulsive overeating.

• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling hungry
• Eating rapidly
• Eating to the point of feeling uncomfortable, tired or nauseous
• Eating alone because of shame or embarrassment
• Feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating
• Weight fluctuations

Compulsive overeating is a disease and cannot be cured with willpower alone. If left untreated, compulsive overeating can be fatal. If you or someone you know suffers from compulsive overeating, contact Brookhaven Hospital today at 1-888-298-HOPE (4673) or email us at wecanhelp@brookhavenhospital.com