Compulsive Eating is More than Just Overeating
While compulsive eating is not a diagnosis on its own, it is a behavior that is present in many forms of disordered eating. Here’s what you should know.
What is Compulsive Eating?
Compulsive eating is a behavior characterized by loss of control when eating food, continuing to eat far beyond the feeling of fullness, often to the point of feeling physically ill. There are many eating disorders that involve this loss of control and compulsion to eat. Some of the most common include:
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED) involves episodes of binge eating that are typically triggered by negative life events and emotional urges.
- Bulimia Nervosa involves episodes of compulsive eating, followed by a purging behavior to rid the body of the food that was consumed.
Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Eating
Someone who is living with an eating disorder that involves compulsions to overeat may also experience the following symptoms and behaviors:
- Recurring episodes of binging
- Eating faster than they usually do
- Eating beyond the point of fullness
- Eating even when they are not hungry
- Keeping a stash or stockpile of food, hidden in an unusual place
- Feeling a loss of control while binging
- Lack of feeling satisfied after eating
- Feeling intense negative emotions that can only be alleviated by eating
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder that involves compulsive eating, it is essential to seek professional treatment. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to treating this behavior than eating less.
Eating Disorder Treatment at Tapestry
At Tapestry, our treatment programs are dedicated to understanding our clients as whole people with varied life experiences. Whether you have questions about mental health or how to support a loved one struggling with their mental health, we are here for you. Contact us today by filling out a confidential form or give us a call at (828) 490-4032.
