Overeating is having too much food at once, and almost everyone has done this at some point.
However, compulsive overeating is an eating disorder that has similarities withbinge eating disorder (BED).
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What Is Overeating?
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Overeating is consuming more food than you need and more than your body can use to make energy.
Compulsive overeating and binge eating disorders are characterized by overeating, but they also involve other symptoms and criteria.
Reasons for Overeating
The motivation to overeat varies from person to person.
Some people simply enjoy the taste of certain foods and have a hard time stopping.
Others eat too much because of stress or negative emotions.
You may experience bloating, gas, or other types of stomach discomfort when you eat too much.
In addition, you may feel embarrassed about overeating.
Overeating may cause:
Compulsive Overeating
Compulsive overeating has many similarities to BED.
Compulsive overeating refers to eating more than you need on a frequent and chronic basis.
Someone with this condition will eat a lot of food quickly, even if they aren’t hungry.
One definition of compulsive overeating is that it happens at least two times a week for several months.
Symptoms
It is common for someone with compulsive overeating to eat alone instead of with others.
Many people hide this condition and do not feel comfortable discussing their eating patterns.
BED is a serious condition that makes people feel like they cannot control their overeating and binging.
They may also feel shame, guilt, or be upset after each overeating episode.
Treatment will include building a coping toolbox to pull from when the urge to overeat arises.
You will work with a team that includes a mental health therapist and dietitian.You might also need medication.
There are resources and treatments that can help you manage your eating disorder.
It is possible to overcome these conditions and lead a healthier life.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.What is overeating?
How to control your portions.
National Eating Disorders Association.Other specified feeding or eating disorder.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Understanding compulsive overeating.
National Eating Disorders Association.Binge eating disorder.
