Compulsive overeating or BED (binge eating disorder) can be basically defined as eating without having the feeling of hunger. All of us by nature eat in order to replenish ourselves and to extinguish the feeling of hunger, but overeaters constantly eat regularly with no regards to being hungry. We are all guilty of eating something without being truly hungry, and it can be said that was compulsive behavior. People who truly suffer from this affliction eat compulsively constantly and feel very shameful because of this behavior and the effects it has on the body. Compulsive overeating is a serious problem and can cause death. Here are common signs of BED:
1. Having fear of not being able to control eating, and while eating, fearing that you won't be able to stop.
2. Being afraid to eat with or around others.
3. Hiding food in strange places in order to go back and eat in secrecy.
4. Feeling overwhelming guilt and shame after an eating session.
5. Believing that food is your only friend.
6. Having mood swings, feeling fatigued often, and feeling depressed
7. Weight gain
8. Places blame of failing social activities and personal relationships on weight.
9. Loss of sexual desire or any type of intimate relations.
10. Eating food faster than normal.
There are many, many reasons as to why people overeat. Some causes are emotional and the other are indeed biological. Most experts in the field believe there's a combination of factors that develops this eating disorder and that the problem usually manifests itself during a young age. These factors include a person's genes, emotions, and learned behaviors as a child (eating patterns).
Biologically, the portion of the brain that regulates appetite, the "hypothalamus" may not be working properly and sending proper signals about hunger and fullness. Plus there's a brain chemical by the name of "serotonin" that affects mood and certain compulsive behaviors that can have an effect compulsive overeating. Some researchers also say that there is a malfunction of endorphin metabolism in the brain of compulsive overeaters that activates the addictive process. One more example of a physical cause is the explanation stating that overeating may be manifested by the overeater's ability to secrete more insulin than normal at the sight and smell of food. The medical evidence that backs up the "insulin secretion theory" is still controversial at this present time.
Emotionally, overeating is caused by a low self esteem. The food takes the place of something we feel that is missing from our life. My experiences were related to quitting smoking. I needed something else to replace the urge for a cigarette, and turned to eating something. It didn't help at all, it made matters worse because after eating, I then wanted a "cigarette". Until the foundation of the emotional distress is found and addressed, the sufferer will continue to eat compulsively. The pain and hurt of being overweight coupled with daily stress and other emotional and mental trauma turns anything into an excuse to indulge and "eat away the pain".
Can compulsive overeating be cured? The good news is that in can indeed be treated with counseling and therapy. It's estimated that 80% of the afflicted who have looked for and received professional help have either recovered completely or have made significant progress. Treatments can last up to 7 months or longer and with the right guidance, commitment to be cured, along with constant practice it will not be hard to replace those bad old behaviors with new life sustaining behaviors.
Denis Harrison is a weight loss enthusiast and encourager for those seriously looking to lose weight. Interested in more information relating to controlling your appetite and eating behaviors? Come to Control Your Appetite where you'll find more interesting information that can help you along with your weight loss endeavors.
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