Compulsive overeating is the uncontrollable urge to consume large portions of food frequently. This is similar to an addiction where the person feels an overwhelming desire to eat at all times. Usually, compulsive overeating tendencies emerge from deep seated reasons and require psychotherapy during treatment. This eating disorder is perhaps the most difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are not very acute initially. As overeating is a common tendency with most people having such episodes in their lifetimes, compulsive overeating can be confused with harmless episodes of overeating.
Who Is a Compulsive Eater?
The common signs and symptoms of compulsive overeating in the affected person may include-
Eating large portions of food
Frequently eating even when full or not hungry
Fluctuations in weight with a tendency toward weight gain
Gorging in private
Eating when upset or hurt
Rapid pace of eating
Depression or mood swings
Socially reclusive behavior
Low self esteem and feelings of guilt after eating
Treatment for Compulsive Overeating
Parents of children who suffer from this eating disorder often ask themselves is compulsive overeating treatable?' The good news is that like all other eating disorders, cases of compulsive overeating can be treated in specialist centers with success. Treatment is done at specialized centers through a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment should include providing a structured meal plan for normalization of food intake, nutritional counseling, and medications if required, exercise and psychotherapy with an aim to improve insight into the disorder, reduce eating disorder behavior and help the client develop a healthy lifestyle. Therapy is provided in individual and group sessions. The family is also made a part of the treatment and is counseled accordingly.