Compulsive Overeating Disorder Treatment

Compulsive overeating is an eating disorder in which a person eats large amounts of food in an uncontrollable manner, often consuming excessive calories in one sitting. For the compulsive overeater, binging on food is a way to cope with overwhelming feelings, stressful life events, and can provide the illusion of relief from feelings of emptiness. Though sufferers from the disorder are aware that what they are doing is abnormal, they are powerless in controlling or stopping the behavior.

People who are affected by this eating disorder may pick at food throughout the day even if they are not hungry. They often fantasize about food and obsess about body and weight. This leads to consumption of more calories and causes obesity among individuals. Compulsive overeating may develop from low self esteem, depression, social anxiety, trauma, or abuse/neglect. Left untreated, compulsive overeating can lead to serious medical conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, and major depression. Additional long-term side effects of the condition also include kidney disease, arthritis, bone deterioration and stroke.

Compulsive overeating disorder treatment is very effective and should be done in specialized treatment centers only. The treatment programs are comprehensive: they combine diet, behavior modification (lifestyle change), nutritional education, exercise, medication (where appropriate) and long-term maintenance support.

The treatment involves intensive psychotherapy - both individual and group therapy by specialists. Individual sessions with nutritionists to help create a meal plan and learn healthy eating habits are an essential aspect of the treatment program. The psychology and internal dynamics of the individual is the core of the treatment. The affected persons are taught how to live a new life with new coping mechanisms, relationships, and a balances life style.