Compulsive Eating (Binge Eating)
Compulsive Eating (Binge Eating)



Compulsive overeating is characterized by uncontrollable eating and consequent weight gain. Compulsive 'overeaters' use food as a way to cope with stress, emotional and physical conflicts as well as daily problems. Like bulimics, compulsive eaters are aware that they have a problem. Unlike bulimia and anorexia, there is a high percentage of male overeaters. The more weight that is gained, the harder they try as well as it is harder to diet, and the dieting is usually what leads to the next binge. In society today, binge eating isn't dealt with enough. Instead of being dealt with, they are pushed to health spas and dieting centers. Like all other serious eating disorders, compulsive overeating can result in death. With the proper treatment, which include therapy, medical and nutritional counseling, it can eventually be erased and overcome.

Common physical effects of binge eating disorder include:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Gallbladder disease
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Sleep apnea

Binge eating leads to a wide variety of physical, emotional, and social problems. People with binge eating disorder report more health issues, stress, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts than people without an eating disorder. Also, anxiety and depression are symptoms that come with and eating disorder such as binge eating.