Compulsive Overeating/Binge Eating

Compulsive overeating and binge eating disorder are recognized conditions whose symptoms include eating excessive amounts of food but without the compensating behavior of purging. Compulsive overeating is the consistent overeating during mealtimes whereas binge eating is excessive eating during a short period of time at irregular intervals.

The physical and psychological consequences of both eating disorders remain the same even though the binge and purge cycle does not occur like bulimia. Feelings of helplessness over food and dealing with the stress and anxiety of life through eating are just some of the underlying issues of these eating disorders.

Who suffers from Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating?

Like anorexia and bulimia, young females are still more likely to suffer from these eating disorders but studies do show that 35% of individuals suffering from compulsive overeating and binge eating are male. These disorders are classified as illnesses because the dysfunctional behavior patterns become independent of the force of will and are tied into chemical imbalances in the brain and body. A person with binge eating disorder will eat until uncomfortably full at least 2 days a week for at least a 6 month period and will eat often when not hungry. Compulsive overeating leads to rapid weight gain and depression which can reinforce the cycle of overeating. Both binge eating and compulsive overeating lead to isolation since they tend to eat in private.

Why is Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating dangerous?

Consuming large amounts of calories in a short period of time on a regular basis leads to rapid weight gain and obesity. Being overweight is associated with many health risks including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Binge eating is the most common of the eating disorders and most people have eaten until they were uncomfortably full but binge eating on a compulsive level should be treated by a professional. Compulsive overeating and binge eating behaviors can begin at a young age and an overweight adolescent may already have symptoms of these disorders.

How is Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating treated?

Binge eating disorder treatment begins by addressing the symptoms of eating disorders. Simply following a plan of diet and exercise is great way to lose weight but is not treatment for compulsive overeating and binging. Individuals with eating disorders often quickly gain back any weight lost through a diet because the root issues of depression, anxiety, boredom or impulsive behavior have not been addressed.

The Miramar Health Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program of Newport Beach uses a variety of comprehensive therapy techniques to create an effective healing process that will last a lifetime. Through a balanced psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and expressive treatment format, combined with regular mealtime experience, participants can confront and resolve the debilitating issues they experience regarding food intake.

If you or a loved one requires professional help of an eating disorder facility with an eating disorder please call Miramar Health right now.