The impact of compulsive overeating on mental health

The prevalence of compulsive overeating, or binge eating disorder, is rising in the United States. The condition is now considered the most common eating disorder in the country. Though the cause of the disorder is not fully understood, it is clear that it can have a profound impact on mental health.

Compulsive overeating often leads to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Because of the secrecy and shame associated with the disorder, many Sufferers do not seek help. This can lead to further mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

Compulsive overeating can also cause physical health problems. Frequent binge eating can lead to obesity and all of the associated health risks. This can further compound mental health problems, as well as create new ones.

There is help available for those suffering from compulsive overeating. Treatment typically includes a combination of therapy, medication, and sometimes nutrition counseling. With treatment, many people are able to gain control over their disorder and improve their mental and physical health..Original source

How to manage compulsive overeating

If you’re among the more than three-quarters of Americans who are overweight or obese, you may be struggling with compulsive overeating. You’re not alone. Overeating is one of the most common eating disorders.

What is compulsive overeating?

Compulsive overeating, also called binge eating disorder, is a type of eating disorder not defined by how much you eat, but by your relationship with food. People with compulsive overeating disorders have a hard time control food intake. They often eat even when they’re not hungry.

Compulsive overeating is different from overeating on occasion. Everyone overeats from time to time, but for people with a compulsive overeating disorder, overeating is a regular occurrence. Overeating can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

Causes of compulsive overeating

There’s no one cause of compulsive overeating. Rather, it’s likely a combination of factors that contribute to the development of the disorder, including:

Genetics: Compulsive overeating may run in families.

Biology: Compulsive overeating may be linked to problems with hunger hormones or changes in the brain chemicals that regulate mood and appetite.

Psychology: Emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness, may trigger compulsive overeating.

Environment: Social and cultural factors, such as pressure to be thin or a history of dieting, may contribute to compulsive overeating.

Signs and symptoms of compulsive overeating

The most obvious sign of compulsive overeating is eating more food than is considered normal or healthy in a given period of time. This can be defined as eating an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time or eating a similar large amount of food on a regular basis.

Other signs and symptoms of compulsive overeating include:

Eating much more rapidly than normal

Eating until you’re uncomfortably full

Eating large amounts of food even when you’re not hungry

Eating alone because you’re embarrassed about how much you’re eating

Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating

Continuing to overeat despite health problems that are exacerbated or caused by your weight

Compulsive overeating can lead to serious health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. If you have compulsive overeating disorder, you may also be at risk for depression and anxiety.

Compulsive overeating vs. bulimia

Compulsive overeating is similar to bulimia nervosa, another type of eating disorder, in that both involve binge eating. The key difference is that people with bulimia nervosa purge after bingeing by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising excessively. People with compulsive overeating disorder do not purge.

Compulsive overeating vs. binge eating disorder

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially recognized binge eating disorder as its own distinct eating disorder. Previously, binge eating disorder was considered a subtype of compulsive overeating.

While the two disorders share many similarities, there are some key differences. Binge eating disorder is characterized by:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances.

A feeling of lack of control over eating during the episode.

Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.

The binge eating episodes are not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors as in bulimia nervosa and do not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

Treatment for compulsive overeating

If you think you might have compulsive overeating disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Overeating can lead to serious health problems, and the sooner you get help, the better.

Many people with compulsive overeating benefit from therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). These types of therapy can help you change the way you think about food and your body, and develop healthier relationships with both.

In some cases, medication may also be helpful. If you have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat those conditions.

If you have a compulsive overeating disorder, you may also benefit from a structured eating plan. This type of plan can help you learn healthy eating habits and portion control. It can also help you make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.

A structured eating plan is not a diet. Diets are often restrictive and can lead to unhealthy eating habits. A structured eating plan is designed to help you make lasting changes to the way you eat.

If you think you might have a compulsive overeating disorder, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you figure out if you have the disorder and, if you do, what treatment options are best for you.

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