Overeating Disorder Symptoms

An overeating disorder, also known as a compulsive overeating disorder or binge eating disorder, is a condition that can lead to serious medical complications. It is characterized by a person's addiction to food. Binge eaters who suffer from this disorder generally do not purge after meals, unlike those with bulimia. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an overeating disorder in order to properly treat the condition.

Binge-Eating Sessions

Those with a compulsive overeating disorder may binge on food in a frenzied way. These binge-eating sessions will result in the consumption of large amounts of food in a very short period of time. Those who binge on food will often eat to the point where they feel uncomfortable. This is a manic state that is often followed by a feeling of guilt or remorse. Unlike bulimics, those with an overeating disorder will not follow the binging with exercise or vomiting.

Weight Problems

Since compulsive overeaters rarely purge their food, many are overweight or obese. Overcoming an overeating disorder is difficult, so some people may fluctuate in weight as they relapse with the condition time and again. It is important to remember that although weight problems are a symptom of an overeating disorder, not everyone who is overweight suffers from this condition.

Secrecy

Compulsive overeaters often feel powerless around food and fear the judgment of others when it comes to eating. For this reason, binge eaters may begin to horde food in secret places. Overeating sessions may be completely hidden from view. Those who have become obese and have limited mobility due to the overeating may become unable to leave the house. According to Something Fishy, a leading online resource about eating disorders, agoraphobia (the fear of leaving the home) can develop in extreme cases.

Depression

It is common for bouts of depression to follow a frenzied eating session. A compulsive overeater will become excited about gorging on food, only to be left disappointed when the session is over. Mood swings can also be attributed to a poor self image that stems from weight problems. Feelings of shame and remorse may overcome someone with this disorder and lead to a long-term case of depression.

Failed Diet Attempts

Those who live with an overeating disorder are often aware that they have a problem. This is why many sufferers will hide food or feel guilty for binging. During moments of clarity, a food addict may try to reverse the problem by going on a diet. However, this can also be problematic. Attempts to curb food addiction with crash diets often lead to more depression and a heavier strain on the body.

References

• University of Pennsylvania Compulsive Overeating
• Something Fishy
• New York Post; "Food Addiction a Real Affliction"