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Compulsive Overeating or food addiction is characterized by relentless uncontrollable eating and in most cases consequent weight gain. People suffering with this eating disorder are generally aware of their abnormal eating habits. But instead of trying to remedy it they go to great lengths to try to hide it. Just as an alcoholic finds solace in liquor, a person with compulsive overeating disorder uses food to hide from or cover up their emotions.

How do I know if I am a Compulsive Overeater? There are several physical and psychological determining factors:

Physical:

• Binge Eating: A person with compulsive overeating will tend to binge often and will continue to eat even after they are satiated.
• Dieting Habits: They often try out several different diets with little or no effect.
• Overweight: People suffering with this Eating Disorder are often overweight although it is not unusual for someone with this disorder to eat very little in public.

Psychological:

• Depression: This is one of the first and commonest psychological symptoms or causes of this disorder.
• Feelings of Worthlessness: A person's self worth is often based on their weight and binges are often followed by Self-deprecating thoughts.
• Obsession with Food: Food and thoughts of the next meal seem to be the focus of life.

What are the effects of Compulsive Overeating?

• Binge Eating: A person with compulsive overeating will tend to binge often and will continue to eat even after they are satiated.
• Dieting Habits: They often try out several different diets with little or no effect.
• Overweight: People suffering with this Eating Disorder are often overweight although it is not unusual for someone with this disorder to eat very little in public.

Psychological:

• Depression: This is one of the first and commonest psychological symptoms or causes of this disorder.
• Feelings of Worthlessness: A person's self worth is often based on their weight and binges are often followed by Self-deprecating thoughts.
• Obsession with Food: Food and thoughts of the next meal seem to be the focus of life.

What are the effects of Compulsive Overeating?

Since compulsive overeating invariably leads to weight gain and obesity, a person generally suffers from weight gain problems such as:

• Nausea and fatigue and an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
• An obese person also runs an increased risk of some forms of cancer.
• There is also a much higher risk for psychological problems like depression and anxiety related disorders.

How can I overcome this problem?

First and foremost, it is very important to understand that the problem is not merely a physical one but a psychological one. The physical effects of this eating disorder are just symptoms of a more deep-rooted problem. This problem is viciously cyclic which means that the more you eat the more you feel worthless and therefore you eat even more. Our Emotions compel us to behave in a certain manner and determine most of our actions. It is important that you seek professional help at once to determine the root cause of your problems and eliminate it. There are also several support groups that will help you to control your eating habits. In most cases, complete recovery is possible with the help of medical, psychological and nutritional assistance.

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