Over Eating

What is Over Eating?

Overeating or Binge Eating is a behaviour that, while generally not a medical problem, in some cases is a symptom of binge eating disorder (BED) or bulimia. It is a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable overeating. In more general terms it refers to the persistent consumption of excess food in relation to the energy that the person uses. This will frequently lead to weight gain and often to obesity. This may be a brief or short term event (many people over indulge during festivities or while on holiday) or a longer term process.

Most people who have eating binges try to hide this behaviour from others and often feel ashamed or depressed about their overeating. Eating binges can be followed by acts by which the person tries to compensate for the effects of overeating. Examples of these behaviours may include purging (inducing vomiting or laxative abuse), fasting, and heavy exercising.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Although people who do not have any mental disorder may occasionally experience episodes of overeating, frequent binge eating is often a symptom of an eating disorder. Binge eating is a central feature of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. It is also practiced by some people with an eating disorder that is not otherwise specified (see below) or anorexia nervosa.

Binge eating disorder (BED), is a psychiatric disorder in which a subject shows the following symptoms:

1. Periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food

2. Eats an unusually large amount of food at one time — more than a normal person would eat in the same amount of time.

3. Eats much more quickly during binge episodes than during normal eating episodes

4. Eats until physically uncomfortable

5. Eats large amounts of food even when they are not really hungry

6. Usually eats alone during binge eating episodes in order to avoid discovery of the disorder

7. Often eats alone during periods of normal eating owing to feelings of embarrassment about food

8. Feels disgusted, depressed or guilty after binge eating

As already mentioned binge eating symptoms are also present in bulimia nervosa. The formal diagnosis criteria are similar in that subjects must binge at least twice per week for a minimum period of three months. Unlike in bulimia, those with BED do not purge, fast or engage in strenuous exercise after binge eating. Additionally, bulimics are typically of normal weight or slightly overweight, whereas those with binge eating disorder are typically overweight or obese.

Binge eating disorder is similar to, but it is distinct from, compulsive overeating (see below). Those with BED do not generally have a compulsion to overeat and do not spend a great deal of time fantasising about food. In fact some people with binge eating disorder have very negative feelings about food. As with other eating disorders, binge eating frequently seen to be an “expressive disorder” — a disorder that is an expression of deeper psychological problems.

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

Some researchers believe BED is a milder form, or subset of bulimia nervosa, while others argue that it is its own distinct disorder. Currently, the diagnostic tool DSM-IV, as published by American Psychiatric Publishing and used by mental health professionals worldwide, categorises it under Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). This involves disordered eating patterns and is ore specifically defined and described in the DSM-IV-TR as a “category of disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for any specific eating disorder“.

Compulsive Over Eating

Compulsive overeating is characterised by an addiction to food. An individual suffering from compulsive overeating disorder engages in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating, or binging, during which they may feel frenzied or out of control. They will eat much more quickly than is considered normal and they will continue to eat even past the point of being uncomfortably full.

Unlike individuals with bulimia, compulsive overeaters do not try to compensate for their binging with purging behaviours such as fasting, laxative use or vomiting. Compulsive overeaters will typically eat when they are not hungry, spend excessive amounts of time and thought devoted to food, and secretly plan or fantasise about eating alone.

Treatment for Over Eating and Compulsive Over Eating

Compulsive overeating and indeed many of the disorders identified above are treatable with counseling and therapy. It has been shown in many studies that approximately 80% of sufferers who seek professional help either recover completely or experience significant reduction in their symptoms. All eating disorders are behavioral patterns which stem from emotional conflicts that need to be resolved in order for the sufferer to develop a healthy relationship with food. Like other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, compulsive overeating is a serious problem and can result in death. However, with the proper treatment, which should include 1-1 therapy or counselling, Residential Rehab, medical and nutritional counselling, these problems can be overcome.

One organisation in the UK that helps overeaters is Overeaters Anonymous, which is operated in loine with the 12-step approach first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. Internationally the same organisation can help.

For more information about Eating Disorders you can view our other resources:

* Causes of eating disorders
* Detecting the signs
* Bulimia Nervosa
* Anorexia Nervosa
* Eating disorders self help

Call treatment-now.com on freephone 08000 380480 to discuss treatment for over eating issues you may be concerned about