This eating disorder, also called binge eating disorder is characterized by an addiction to food. An individual suffering with compulsive overeating disorder has episodes of uncontrolled eating or binging, during which he or she may have a pressured, frenzied feeling. The person may continue to eat even after becoming uncomfortably full. The binge is typically followed by a period of intense guilt and/or depression. Unlike bulimics, those with compulsive overeating disorder typically do not purge themselves with vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.

As with other eating disorders, there is a significant emotional component to overeating compulsively. 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. They turn to food to cope with their painful feelings, which only leaves them feeling worse. Sufferers often have a constant need for love and validation, and without it, may go into obsessive episodes of overeating as a way to forget the pain.

People suffering with compulsive overeating disorder tend to be overweight, have a history of weight fluctuations, and are usually aware that their eating habits are abnormal. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, a large percentage of compulsive overeaters are male.

Compulsive overeaters consume large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry. They also tend to eat much more rapidly than normal, and eat to the point of feeling uncomfortably full. Those suffering with this disorder often eat alone because of shame or embarrassment, and can have feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating. More Symptoms

Without proper treatment, this disorder can lead to sever medical complications including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Additional long-term side effects include kidney disease, arthritis, bone deterioration, and stroke.

About 80% of persons with eating disorders who seek professional help recover completely or make significant progress. All in all, eating disorders are behavior patterns that display very complex emotional conflicts, which need to be resolved for the person to have a healthy relationship with food.

If you think you have an eating disorder, contact CAPS at (215) 898-7021 or The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia at 1-800-RENFREW.