Compulsive over-eaters may have episodic bursts of uncontrollable eating. During these times they feel like they have no control and eat in a frenzy. These episodes may be planned but can also be triggered by emotions or stress.
Binge eaters are people who eat past the point of feeling full. They consume large amounts of food even though they are no longer hungry. When binging a person might consume 5,000 to 15,000 calories at one sitting. For some binge eaters this one meal may be several times more than their normal daily caloric intake.
Binge eaters often feel a sense of guilt after their binge. In order to compensate for their large intake of food they fast, take laxatives or vomit. People with these overeating disorders are food focused. They constantly think about food, fantasizing about what they'll eat and planning their next meal.
Compulsive Grazing
Compulsive over-eaters can also be grazers. They may pick at food and snack all day. While this may not seem serious at first, in time it can lead to serious weight gain and health problems.
Adverse Health Effects
The weight gain can lead to problems with cholesterol, blood pressure, bone and joint deterioration, arthritis, kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. While some of these are worst cast scenarios, all of them are a possibility.
Eating Disorder Intervention
Professional intervention is often needed to overcome these disorders. A health professional can help structure a healthy diet, eliminate between meal snacking and help the over-eater deal with the emotional and mental issues that may be leading them to food.
A health professional can also provide mentor-ship and accountability. With these things in place a food addicted person can develop the skills and knowledge needed to change their overeating habits and change their lives.
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