Overeating disorders are also called compulsive overeating disorders or binge eating disorders. Binges are sessions of excessive eating. People with overeating disorders tend to be obese, but even normal-weight people can be affected. According to AtHealth.com, "binge eating disorder probably affects 2 percent of all adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans. The disorder is even more common in those with severe obesity."
Definition
Overeating disorders are an addiction to food. According to University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education, "an individual suffering with compulsive overeating disorder has episodes of uncontrolled eating." A person with an overeating disorder often feels a combination of pressure and intense mental agitation during a binge. Overeaters usually feel strong guilt and depression after binging.
Causes
Many people do not understand that overeating disorders, as with all eating disorders, are not just about food. There is a significant emotional aspect to why people overeat. The University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education explains, "Most sufferers use food as a way to hide from emotions, fill a void inside, and cope with daily stresses. Many people with compulsive overeating disorder feel guilty for not being 'good enough,' shame for being overweight, and have very low self esteem." Overeaters resort to food to cope with the pain they feel, which causes them to only feel worse. They have a strong need for love and approval and often go into obsessive periods of overeating when they don't receive it.
Signs & Symptoms
People with overeating disorders consume large amounts of food, even when not hungry. They eat much more quickly than normal and do not stop, even when they feel uncomfortably full. Overeaters often eat alone due to the shame and embarrassment they feel about their problem. They also express self-defeating statements, disgust or guilt after eating. Other signs of a person having an overeating disorder are hiding food in strange places (suitcases, cabinets or closets) to eat later, blaming their failure in social and professional community on their weight and believing that food is their only friend.
Common Traits
Overeaters tend to be overweight, have a history of weight fluctuation and are generally aware that their eating habits are unusual. A large percentage of compulsive overeaters are men. If overeating disorders go untreated, they can lead to severe medical risks including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and depression. Other long-term side effects include bone deterioration, stroke, arthritis and kidney disease.
Treatment
Fortunately, help is available. The University of Pennsylvania reports that about 80 percent of people with eating disorders who receive professional help completely recover or make significant progress in recovery. Eating disorders are physical manifestations of complex emotional problems. Any treatment for overeating disorders must address these underlying emotional conflicts in order for you to have a healthy relationship with food.
Tags: overeating disorder, compulsive overeating, eating disorders, overeating disorders, they feel, University Pennsylvania