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.
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.
Adapted from the Boston College Eating Awareness
Team
Written by Boston College Counseling Services
