Could You Be A Compulsive Overeater?
If you are constantly making excuses for eating or feel out of control when it comes to what and how much you're eating, then there is a chance that you could be engaging in compulsive overeating.
In this article, we discuss the warning signs so that you know if these habits apply to you – as well as how to stop the cycle.
##What is Compulsive Overeating?##
When people hear the term "compulsive overeating," they might think the person eats large quantities of food even while they're not hungry. While this is certainly one sign of the condition, compulsive overeating is actually a bit more complex than that.
Compulsive overeating is an emotional disorder that affects people of varying ages and genders. It often results in feelings of guilt, self-loathing and depression.
People with this disorder feel a loss of control over their eating habits and may eat even when they feel full. They may also turn to food when they are angry or upset as a way to soothe their emotions. As time goes on, compulsive overeaters gain more weight and begin to face the physical effects that obesity brings with it – but they don't stop there.
They often engage in excessive exercising and other weight-loss behaviors (such as dieting). However, these attempts often result in them gaining more weight.
People who suffer from compulsive overeating are likely to have a history of emotional problems and childhood trauma. Compulsive overeaters may also be suffering from an eating disorder such as bulimia or binge eating disorder, or they may have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. Many people with this condition began as behaviorally or emotionally disciplined children and grew up to become enactioned adults struggling with overeating.
##How Do You Know If You Have Compulsive Overeating?##
The signs of compulsive eating can vary, so we have put together a list of signs that you may be dealing with compulsive overeating.
1. You regularly eat large quantities of food when you're not hungry. If you have a history of this behavior, it's important to take note of the following:
Signs that you are eating too much food: When people say they feel "stuffed" after a meal, it is normal to believe that they've overeaten. But if you continue to make excuses for overeating even after this feeling passes, then it's time for some self-reflection.
Signs that you are eating too much food: When people say they feel "stuffed" after a meal, it is normal to believe that they've overeaten. But if you continue to make excuses for overeating even after this feeling passes, then it's time for some self-reflection. You don't appear satisfied with the amount of food you're eating: Many compulsive eaters believe that their "stuffed" feeling means they're ready to stop eating, but they continue to reach for more food anyway. Instead of giving in at the first craving, be wary if you're finding that you have to search your refrigerator for why you keep reaching for food.
Many compulsive eaters believe that their "stuffed" feeling means they're ready to stop eating, but they continue to reach for more food anyway. Instead of giving in at the first craving, be wary if you're finding that you have to search your refrigerator for why you keep reaching for food. You set strict limits on when and how much you eat: Many compulsive overeaters believe that their behavior is normal and aren't aware of how it's negatively impacting their relationships or physical health. If you continue to overeat even when you know it's not ideal, it may be time to put a stop to your unhealthy behavior.
2. You are not aware of the amount of food you're eating. If you have consistently had trouble with your weight throughout your life, then there is a chance that this compulsive habit has developed over time. Compulsive eaters may also find themselves making excuses for the amount they're consuming. For example, if you can't quantify how much food or drinks you are eating, then it's possible that you have become addicted to your eating habits and turning to food for comfort can be a way for compulsive eaters deal with their emotions and upset.
3. You find yourself feeling guilty after eating. According to research done by the Mayo Clinic, approximately 5-10 percent of people who live with obesity are considered to be compulsive overeaters. If you feel guilty after eating, it's important that you seek help immediately. These feelings usually stem from frequent dieting attempts or other unhealthy methods of weight loss (such as excessive exercising).
4. You eat more food than others around you. Compulsive overeaters will often find themselves eating more than others in social settings – even if they're not hungry. Common excuses for this behavior include: I didn't get any food at lunchtime so I'm catching up. I'm so hungry. It's been a while since I ate so I need a snack.
Compulsive overeaters will often find themselves eating more than others in social settings – even if they're not hungry. Common excuses for this behavior include: You believe that your eating habits are normal for your age, gender and body-type: Most people eat to live and don't think about the amount of food they're consuming. If you are an adult and are still struggling with these issues, then it's possible that you have developed compulsive eating habits over time.
5. You hide food in your house or on the way home from work. If you find yourself hiding food in a place where someone else can see it or if you're spending a great deal of time looking for food when you're at home, this is an indication that your eating habits are unhealthy and should be addressed as soon as possible.
6. Your family members notice that you have gained weight since they last saw you. This can be a sign that your compulsive eating habits have developed into an unhealthy lifestyle.
7. You spend a great deal of time thinking about food. If you're constantly thinking about food and you find yourself imagining what your next meal will be like, this may indicate that your eating habits are compulsive. Instead of focusing on ways to change your diet, it's important to seek help so that you can begin to change your mindset.
8. You have made multiple attempts at losing weight (without success). Many people attempt to lose weight multiple times and they find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated with their lack of results. If you have lived through these experiences time and time again, it's important that you discuss these issues with a qualified professional instead of attempting another "crash diet".
Conclusion
If you're struggling with binge eating, compulsive eating or any other form of unhealthy weight-related behavior then it's important that you seek help as soon as possible. If you're simply trying to change your diet for health benefits and not for weight-control reasons, then it may be a good idea to start slowly and work up from smaller meals. You can also speak with a qualified professional about other ways that you can change your habits. Even if you don't have an issue with your weight, there are many ways that you can begin to improve your overall health by engaging in daily exercise routines and healthier dietary habits.
Source:
http://www.mayoclinic.