An individual with a compulsive overeating disorder or binge eating disorder is many times caught in the incredible dynamic of binge eating and depression. With compulsive overeating food is used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Many people with a binge eating disorder speak of using the binging episodes as a way to numb all that is going on around them. The amount of food eaten and the duration it is consumed can differ depending on the individual.
For many individuals suffering from Compulsive Overeating, binges may not be able to be broken into specific episodes but rather days where the individual eats more than normal throughout the day. Triggers for compulsive overeating include depression, anxiety, relationships, boredom, prolonged dieting, sexual trauma and body image issues.
Binge eating may temporarily relieve the stress of these unwanted feelings, but the binging episodes are followed by feelings of disgust, shame, guilt, and an even deeper depression. For the compulsive overeater, episodes of binge eating usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others. It is not uncommon for the individual to eat normally or even restrictively in front of others and then make up for eating less by binge eating in private at a later time. Late at night, when others are asleep or frequenting fast food restaurants and convenience stores alone, can also be common. Many even have a secret stash of junk food hidden for their personal use.
You can see how the dynamics of binge eating or compulsive eating are similar to drug addiction or alcohol addiction. It is not uncommon for those suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism to hide drugs or alcohol around the house in case someone discards their regular stock. The American Medical Association some time ago, acknowledged that drug addiction and alcohol addiction are diseases, which are treatable with a specific set of signs and symptoms. The same holds true with compulsive eating and binge eating. All diseases require treatment and can not be managed alone.
Similar to Anorexics and Bulimics, a person suffering from compulsive overeating or binge eating are constantly struggling and are dissatisfied with their weight. Whatever the scale reads often determines how the person feels about themselves. It may even determine how they dress and where they go. Constant dieting and food restriction becomes a way of life. Some diets may even create weight loss, but unfortunately in most cases each diet ends in failure and all the lost weight is regained. Thus continues the devastating cycle. Medical complications from this behavior can be severe and even life threatening. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems are just a few of the dangerous complications.
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