Compulsive Overeating

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Compulsive Overeating
last modified: November 10, 2008
Adapted from the Boston College Eating Awareness Team
Written by Boston College Counseling Services
Brown University Health Education

What is it?
Compulsive overeating is characterized by uncontrollable eating followed by feelings of guilt and shame. It is different from bulimia in that it does not involve any purging. While it inevitably results in weight gain, it is also not to be confused with obesity. Not everyone who is overweight has an eating disorder.

What are the warning signs of compulsive eating?


bingeing, or eating uncontrollably
purging by strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise, vomiting or abusing
using laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight
using the bathroom frequently after meals
preoccupation with body weight
depression or mood swings
irregular periods
developing dental problems, swollen cheek glands, heartburn and/or bloating
experiencing personal or family problems with alcohol or drugs
What are the physical complications of overeating?


weight-related hypertension and/or fatigue
nausea
weight gain
increase in risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer
(for obese individuals only)
Why do it?
While people who compulsively overeat are usually very preoccupied with issues of food, eating, and weight, uncontrollable bouts of eating are an attempt to manage other hidden issues. That is, as a compulsive overeater, you use food to cope with stress, upset, emotional distress, and other problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem). However, the negative feelings blocked by the overeating
are only momentarily avoided, as you inevitably feel guilty and shameful about the overeating.

How does it start?
Compulsive overeating generally has a gradual beginning, often starting in early childhood when eating patterns are formed. It usually starts very subtly, when a child turns to food whenever they were upset. Over time, you learn that food in fact will soothe the upset feelings. The destructive pattern continues as you do not learn to trust that feelings pass and that you are capable of self-soothing without food.

Why is it so hard to stop?
Like someone with bulimia, when you compulsively overeat, you usually try every way you can think of to stop. Often the attempt at control takes the form of rigorous dieting or living by inflexible standards of eating. While strict dieting may help intermittently with the weight gain, in the long run it doesn't do anything to remedy the emotional reasons for the compulsive overeating. Moreover, restrictive dieting is so depriving that it creates a situation of compounded desperation to eat. Therefore, dieting often backfires and just perpetuates the compulsive overeating.

Misunderstanding and prejudice
Compulsive overeating has only recently come to be taken seriously and straightforwardly in our culture. Prejudicial impressions remain very strong. With this kind of disordered eating, people are often stereotyped as lazy and gluttonous, or, at best, as having too big an appetite and lacking in willpower or self-control. Your pain is then overlooked not only by yourself, but also by other people.

Change
Recovery is completely possible for compulsive overeaters through a gradual process of lifestyle change and with the help of others. Along with the medical, psychological and nutritional assistance helpful to anyone with distorted eating habits, oftentimes groups such as Overeaters Anonymous are very useful.

How do I help a friend who has an eating disorder?
If you are worried that a friend is a compulsive overeater, click for information and resources.

Resources at Brown


Located on the third floor of Health Services.
Confidential information or care is available through individual appointments or phone consultation with a Nutritionist to discuss the many types of eating concerns you may have regarding yourself, a friend, roommate or teammate. Health Education also offers workshops, pamphlets, and reading materials covering these and related issues. There are no fees for Health Education services.



Located at the corner of Brown and Charlesfield streets.
Confidential information and care is available on a walk-in, or by scheduled appointment basis. Care is available for initial, current or past disordered eating patients. There are no fees for medical care at Health Services. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.



Located on the second floor of Rhode Island Hall.
Confidential appointments are available at Psychological Services for students concerned about their eating issues. Guidance is also available for those who are concerned about a friend, roommate, or teammates' eating. Services include crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy and referrals. There are no fees for appointments at Psychological Services.


Links you can use


This site looks at ways we can feel good in the bodies we have. One of their slogans: "Remember, your body hears everything you think." Other topics on the web site: Size Acceptance; What do you say when everyone around you is dieting? 200 Ways to Love the Body You Have; Dieting Detox; Evaluating Weight Loss Programs: What are the Red Flags? Free subscription to email newsletter "Body Positive Pages."



Highly recommended web site, offering support and programs for people seeking a lifestyle without diets. You can take a self-profile quiz that cues you to the many benefits of a non-diet life. Slogan: "You Count, Calories Don't." Run by a registered dietitian. This site includes a chat line, resources and links to other sites.


This site provides signs of eating disorders, motivational support talks, information on cultural issues and how to help loved ones.



This site includes definitions, statistics, warning signs, causes and frequently asked questions.



This site provides general information about eating disorders and body image concerns, tips for helping a friend and referral sources.



Provides information and treatment resources for all forms of eating disorders.



Articles from the ADA on eating disorders, including The Female Athlete, Compulsive Eating and Anorexia.



Information on eating disorders, books for sale and resources in Spanish