Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Disorder
Individuals who eat uncontrollably or who frequently have episodes of binge eating suffer from what is known as Compulsive Overeating Disorder or Binge Eating Disorder (BED). If binging is the primary activity of the compulsive overeater, he or she is said to suffer from a Binge Eating Disorder. If there is an absence of binging, but still continuous overeating, then he or she is said to have a Compulsive Overeating Disorder.
When a person is in the midst of binge eating, they often feel that they are not in control. He or she typically eat at a more rapid rate. Even when uncomfortably full, they will continue eating. Binging episodes are often followed by a sense of guilt and depression. The primary difference between bulimics and compulsive overeaters is that overeaters do not have compensatory behaviors such as using laxatives, vomiting, or fasting.
Compulsive overeaters eat even when they are not hungry. The often fixate on and fantasize about food. Many compulsive overeaters also participate in grazing behavior (returning back throughout the day to pick at food again and again.) These activities oftentimes lead to obesity and weight gain.
Each individual is unique as are their life circumstances. The eating disorder program at our center takes this into account. We provide individual therapy sessions, group therapy and family therapy as well as nutritional counseling, client support /family groups and mind/body therapy sessions.
