What is the definition of compulsive eating?

Answer 1

Compulsive eating, also often called compulsive over-eating, is a type of an eating disorder. It is characterized by an over-eating (bingeing) food habit. People will begin to eat secretively or even non-stop, even when the person is not actually hungry. Many become overweight and develop obesity-related health conditions (heart problems, Diabetes, ect.) Their latent depression then blooms.

Compulsions/addictions of this sort begin as mechanisms to cope with overwhelming feelings. The (eating) behavior starts in order to soothe, comfort and partially anesthetise, but eventually makes the person's life unmanageable. The behavior takes on a life of its own and the person cannot seem to stop it, regardless of the fact that they know exactly how much damage it is causing. The addict is not unaware of calories, carbohydrates and portion control. They simply can. not. stop.

Compulsive eaters have powerful tools available to them for living a saner life, if they get themselves to a 12-step meeting, immediately. Groups like CEA-HOW, OA and FA know exactly how you feel. They are peers, not pros.

Answer 2

There are many factors that contribute to compulsive overeating, most of which are either physiological, emotional, or social/cultural (or a combination). Researchers are still identifying physiological factors. Sleepless and stress have been shown to impact the hormone leptin, which tells the brain when it's full. Imbalances in the brain chemical serotonin have also been correlated with compulsive overeating. A history of dieting or food deprivation can certainly trigger episodes of compulsive overeating, both for physiological and psychological reasons.

Emotionally, compulsive overeating can be a way of expressing or soothing emotions. Not necessarily "intense" emotions, but any unpleasant emotion. This can occur consciously or unconsciously.

Social and cultural factors include body shaming from family, friends, peer group and the social pressure to be thin. People that have experienced a negative emphasis on their weight as children or adolescents vs. health are much more likely to develop an eating disorder.

Answer 3

Compulsive eating, also often called compulsive over-eating, is a type of an eating disorder. It is characterized by an over-eating (bingeing) food habit. People will begin to eat secretively or even non-stop, even when the person is not actually hungry. Many become overweight and develop obesity-related health conditions (heart problems, diabetes, ect.) Their latent depression then blooms.

Compulsions/addictions of this sort begin as mechanisms to cope with overwhelming feelings. The (eating) behavior starts in order to soothe, comfort and partially anesthetise, but eventually makes the person's life unmanageable. The behavior takes on a life of its own and the person cannot seem to stop it, regardless of the fact that they know exactly how much damage it is causing. The addict is not unaware of calories, carbohydrates and portion control. They simply can. not. stop.

Compulsive eaters have powerful tools available to them for living a saner life, if they get themselves to a 12-step meeting, immediately. Groups like CEA-HOW, OA and FA know exactly how you feel. They are peers, not pros.

Answer 4

In 12-step language, compulsive eating, also often called compulsive over-eating, is a type of an eating disorder. It is characterized by an over-eating (bingeing) food habit. People will begin to eat secretively or even non-stop, even when the person is not actually hungry. Many become overweight and develop obesity-related health conditions (heart problems, diabetes, ect.) Their latent depression then blooms.

Compulsions/addictions of this sort begin as mechanisms to cope with overwhelming feelings. The (eating) behavior starts in order to soothe, comfort and partially anesthetise, but eventually makes the person's life unmanageable. The behavior takes on a life of its own and the person cannot seem to stop it, regardless of the fact that they know exactly how much damage it is causing. The addict is not unaware of calories, carbohydrates and portion control. They simply can. not. stop.

Compulsive eaters have powerful tools available to them for living a saner life, if they get themselves to a 12-step meeting, immediately. Groups like CEA-HOW, OA and FA know exactly how you feel. They are peers, not pros.

Answer 5

It is literally called Binge Eating Disorder & is an eating disorder like Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Nervosa.