I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
Compulsive Eating Disorder
Compulsive Overeating Treatment
Find compulsive eating disorder treatment programs by calling our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Get the help you need to recover your health and reclaim your life. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
What is Compulsive Eating Disorder?
Compulsive eating disorder, also called a binge eating disorder is characterized by an addiction to food. An individual suffering with compulsive eating disorder has episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing, during which he or she may feel anxious and panicky. The person may continue to eat even after becoming uncomfortably full. The binge is typically followed by a period of guilt and/or depression. Unlike bulimia, those with compulsive eating disorder typically do not purge themselves with vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
What are the Causes of Compulsive Eating Disorder?
As with other eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia), there is a significant psychological component to compulsive eating. Most sufferers use food as a way to hide from emotions, fill a void inside, and cope with daily stresses. Many people with compulsive eating disorder feel guilty for not being "good enough," shame for being overweight, and have low self esteem. They turn to food to cope with their painful feelings, which only leaves them feeling worse. Sufferers often have a constant need for love and validation, and without it, may go into obsessive episodes of overeating as a way to cope with pain.
People who suffer from compulsive eating disorder tend to be overweight, have a history of weight fluctuations, and are usually aware that their eating habits are abnormal. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, a large percentage of compulsive overeaters are male.
If the process of locating the best compulsive overeating treatment program for you becomes confusing and a bit overwhelming, you can always call the national eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313.
Compulsive Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms
Compulsive overeaters consume large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry. They also tend to eat much more rapidly than normal, and eat to the point of feeling uncomfortable. People suffering from compulsive eating disorder often eat alone because of shame or embarrassment, and can have feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating. A person suffering from compulsive eating disorder may show the following symptoms:
Weight gain.
Anxiety that they cannot control their eating and that while eating, they fear they may not be able to stop.
Isolation. Fear of eating around and with others.
Frequent dieting. Constantly trying new diet plans.
Believe that if they could just lose weight, life would be better.
High blood pressure and/or cholesterol.
Leg and joint pain.
Loss of sexual desire or promiscuous relations.
Mood swings. Fatigue. Depression.
Diminishing mobility as a result of weight gain.
Food hoarding and hiding food in places like closets, suitcases and the bedroom in order to eat at a later time.
Secretive eating patterns.
Expressing guilt and shame after consuming food.
Blames social and professional failures on weight.
Believe that food is their only friend.
Breathlessness after relatively light activities.
Excessive sweating.
Insomnia. Poor sleeping habits.
Compulsive Eating Disorder Complications
Without proper compulsive overeating treatment, the disorder can lead to several medical complications including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Additional long-term side effects include kidney disease, arthritis, bone deterioration, and stroke.
About 70% of persons with eating disorders who seek professional eating disorder help recover completely or make significant progress. All in all, eating disorders are behavior patterns that display very complex emotional conflicts, which need to be resolved for the person to have a healthy relationship with food.
