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Compulsive overeating disorder, also known as binge eating, is generally an addiction seen in people who have an irresistible urge to eat. The main problem associated with this disorder is that people suffering from the abnormal eating habit try to hide their problem. As a result they keep on gaining weight. For people addicted to food, the act of eating provides a refuge that they find hard to refuse.
Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Overeating Disorder
Listed below are some of the signs and symptoms of compulsive overeating disorder:
- Abnormally large amount of eating
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Depression arising out of not being able to control eating
- Anxiety at the prospect of eating with others
- Chronic dieting
- Hiding food in places such as cabinets, closets, under the bed, etc for the purpose of eating later
- Shortness of breath
- Profuse sweating
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Poor sleeping habits
- Mood swings
Causes of Compulsive Overeating Disorder
The disorder is commonly associated with emotional and psychological aspects of an individual, particularly if one has very low self esteem.
Some of the common causes of compulsive overeating disorder are:
- Excessive stress
- Relationship problem – feeling depressed or lonely
- Excessive restriction on food or dieting
- Unhealthy eating habits – especially, if diet heavy with artificial sweeteners but having less fiber
- Runs in the family (genetic cause)
Treatments of Compulsive Overeating Disorder
Listed are some of the treatments of compulsive overeating disorder:
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Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
– This focuses on the reasons for overeating and the emotions that trigger it.
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Interpersonal psychotherapy
– It focuses on interpersonal problems such as relationship problem, death in the problem, etc that triggers this eating disorder.
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Nutritional therapy
– Healthy eating plan is devised by the dietician to bring change in unhealthy eating habit.
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Drug therapy
using antidepressants or appetite suppressants
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