Facts About Compulsive Eating

Compulsive eating disorder, as the name implies, is characterized by uncontrollable, excessive eating, followed by feelings of shame and guilt. Unlike those with bulimia, compulsive-eaters typically do not purge their food. However, many bulimics are also compulsive eaters.

Compulsive eating is even more common than anorexia or bulimia. About one in five young women report that they have had compulsive eating problems, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, compulsive eating is also relatively common in men, who account for about 40% of compulsive eating disorder cases.

Compulsive eaters often feel shame and guilt over their condition. While compulsive eating results in weight gain, it is not the same as obesity. Not everyone who is overweight has a compulsive eating problem.

Medical Impact of Compulsive Eating

Compulsive eaters are often obese or overweight and are susceptible to health problems caused by being overweight, including high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Those who are obese increase their risk of heart diseases, many types of cancer and gallbladder disease. Compulsive eaters often have fatigue and nausea.

Like those with other eating disorders, those with compulsive eating disorders often have other psychiatric illnesses and are especially susceptible to depression.

Signs of Compulsive Eating

Those with compulsive eating disorder typically are overweight or obese. They feel like they have no control over their eating behavior, and eat in secret and when they are not hungry. They also feel shame and remorse over their behavior.

Compulsive eaters may hide food. Excessive amounts of food containers and wrappers are also evidence of compulsive eating.

Causes of Compulsive Eating Disorder

Causes of compulsive eating vary, but there are usually a variety of contributing factors. A traumatic event, which may have taken place years before compulsive eating manifested itself, is often a cause. Such events may include:

• Sexual abuse or rape
• Emotional abuse
• Parents' divorce
• Death of a loved one
• Physical violence

Compulsive eating begins gradually and often starts when children are first developing their eating patterns. Some children turn to food whenever they are upset. They begin to use food to soothe their feelings and that's how compulsive eating patterns develop.

Helping Someone With Compulsive Eating Disorder

If you suspect you or someone you know has a compulsive eating disorder, seek professional counseling immediately.

For help treating a compulsive eating or other eating disorders, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com. Our Eating Disorder Treatment Program provides discrete, highly specialized treatment for college students with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder and other eating disorders.