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Overeating as an eating disorder

When most people think of eating disorders, the words anorexia and bulimia pop into their heads. While it’s true that these two eating disorders are among the most common, there are many other eating disorders that one may experience that can cause serious damage to an individual’s health. Compulsive over-eating is a problem that is like reverse-anorexia, and it’s a mental problem that can be quite tough to overcome. In this article, we’ll discuss the problem of overeating and how it can seriously affect one’s well-being.

Compulsive over-eating is a problem that can affect anyone. Males and females both face problems with the disorder, although it does tend to occur more often in females than in males. Those who are compulsive over-eaters often resort to food as a comfort, often indulging all too much and gorging on food. After the period of binge-eating, the individual is left feeling depressed and guilty. People with the disorder often do not stop eating when they are full, and continue to eat well past the time. While everyone pigs out at one time or another, there are some signs that you may want to check for to see if you are, in fact, a compulsive over-eater.

One of the main warning signs for a condition of over-eating is the desire to eat when not physically hungry. Also, those who are compulsive over-eaters often eat their foods in a frenzied manner, and may find themselves finishing their meals well before those who they are eating with. If you find that you are eating to a point at which you are uncomfortable with how full you are, you may be experiencing the disorder. Individuals with compulsive over-eating problems often have fluctuations within their weight, and they may feel embarrassed or disgusted with their problem.



While compulsive over-eating may seem like a problem that isn’t very serious, there are numerous negative side-effects that the disorder can have upon your health. Eating too much can result in problems such as heightened cholesterol levels, type II diabetes, and heart disease. The mental strain that is placed upon one that is a compulsive over-eater can also be a threat. Poor self image pervades in those with the problem, and it’s a really tough problem to get over if counseling is not employed. To that end, if you suspect that someone that you care about is an over-eater, it’s important to discuss the problem with them. Discuss the problem in a serious tone, but be sure to show your love and compassion to the person, who is likely suffering both mentally and physically. Professional counseling has shown to be of much merit when it comes to helping people to get over their problems with over-eating. If left untreated, over-eaters may continue their cycle of pain, causing the problem to grow. It’s a self perpetuating cycle in which one feels guilty because they eat so much, which causes them to eat more to drown their sorrows the best way that they know how.

>> Parents are Key in Preventing an Eating Disorder >>