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Compulsive Overeating Is An Eating Disorder Too!

© Heather Mudgett.

Because of my own experiences, I tend to focus mainly on the eating disorders of anorexia and bulimia. It must be noted, however, that compulsive overeating is also a serious eating disorder.

Compulsive overeating has been described as: an eating disorder which involves binge eating without the purging behaviors typical in bulimia. Compulsive overeaters eat foods for emotional rather than nutritional reasons, often eating large quantities of "junk" food. Compulsive overeaters often turn to food for comfort when stressed or upset. Compulsive overeaters are often overweight, but not all people who are obese are compulsive overeaters.

Dr. Sheila Harbet of the RADAR INSTITUTE, explains "Compulsive overeaters are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. They often use food as coping mechanism to deal with their feelings. Binge eating temporarily relieves the stress of these feelings, but is unfortunately followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and depression. The compulsive eater then binges again to relieve the depression and thus begins the destructive cycle." Her COMPULSIVE OVEREATING page describes the cycle of compulsive eating, and also lists many common symptoms of compulsive overeaters.

Many people turn to the 12-Step approach of OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS in an attempt to overcome the problem of compulsive overeating. They explain that "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. OA is a non-profit international organization that provides volunteer support groups worldwide. Patterned after the Twelve-Step Alcoholics Anonymous program, the OA recovery program addresses physical, emotional and spiritual recovery aspects of compulsive overeating. Members are encouraged to seek professional help for individual diet/nutrition plans and for any emotional or physical problems."

Here are a few links specific to Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating.

Are You a Binge Eater? Check out this site to find out whether or not you fit the criteria for compulsive overeating.

Binge Eating Disorder Info This is site has general binge eating information.

Binge Eating Info by Alt.support This site by alt.support provides good info on binge eating.

Dorit's lil bean~bag Check out this site for useful information on the topic of compulsive overeating.

Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Something Fishy presents a description of and information about problematic overeating.

Compulsive Overeating InformationPale-Reflections has good information on compulsive overeating, including signs & symptoms and long term health problems.

Health Center: Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms and complications of binge eating disorder are described.

The New Eating Disorder A student project on binge eating.

The copyright of the article Compulsive Overeating Is An Eating Disorder Too! in Eating Disorders is owned by Heather Mudgett.. Permission to republish Compulsive Overeating Is An Eating Disorder Too! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.