Compulsive Eating

What is compulsive eating?

Compulsive eating, also known as emotional or binge eating, involves consuming large amounts of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, without physical hunger. It is typically driven by emotional factors rather than true hunger.

How common is compulsive eating?

Compulsive eating is relatively common, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is the most frequent eating disorder and can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Is compulsive eating serious?

Yes. Left untreated, compulsive eating can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and significant psychological distress, including depression and low self-esteem.

When and how to get help with compulsive eating

If you frequently eat uncontrollably or feel distress about your eating habits, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.

How to know if you have compulsive eating

• Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food
• Eating rapidly during binge episodes
• Eating when not physically hungry
• Feelings of shame, guilt, or distress after eating

Typical signs and symptoms of compulsive eating

• Weight fluctuations
• Emotional distress
• Social withdrawal
• Hiding food or eating in secret
• Feeling out of control around food
• Feeling ashamed of your eating habits

Complications of untreated compulsive eating

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Depression and anxiety

What causes compulsive eating?

• Emotional distress (e.g., sadness, stress, boredom)
• Low self-esteem
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Restrictive dieting leading to binge episodes
• Genetic predisposition

Risk factors for developing compulsive eating

• Family history of eating disorders
• History of dieting
• Psychological conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• Societal pressures regarding body image

Is compulsive eating hereditary or lifestyle-based?

It can be both. Genetics, environment, and emotional experiences all contribute to compulsive eating behaviours.

How is compulsive eating diagnosed?

A healthcare provider or mental health professional will assess eating patterns, emotional wellbeing, and potential co-existing conditions through interviews and questionnaires.

Tests and assessments used to identify compulsive eating

• Clinical interviews
• Standardised eating disorder questionnaires
• Psychological evaluations
• Medical tests to assess complications (e.g., blood sugar levels)

Medical treatment for compulsive eating

• Psychological therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT)
• Medications to treat underlying depression or anxiety (if present)
• Structured eating disorder programmes

Therapies and interventions for compulsive eating

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness-based therapies
• Support groups

Do medications help with compulsive eating?

Certain medications, particularly those treating depression or impulse control, may be helpful in some cases alongside therapy.

Lifestyle changes to manage compulsive eating

• Establishing regular, balanced meals
• Developing non-food coping strategies for emotions
• Practising mindful eating
• Reducing dieting and restrictive eating patterns

Home remedies and self-help for compulsive eating

• Keeping a food and mood diary
• Building emotional resilience through activities like journaling or exercise
• Seeking supportive social networks

When should you get medical help for compulsive eating?

• If compulsive eating is frequent and distressing
• If it is affecting your physical or emotional health
• If you feel unable to control your eating despite efforts

Compulsive eating in children

Children may compulsively eat in response to stress or emotional trauma. Early intervention is crucial.

Compulsive eating during pregnancy

Pregnancy can trigger emotional eating; seeking early support helps maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Compulsive eating in older adults

Emotional eating can continue or emerge later in life, often linked to loneliness or bereavement.

Can you prevent compulsive eating?

Building healthy coping strategies for emotional distress and fostering a positive relationship with food can help prevent compulsive eating.

Tips to reduce your risk of compulsive eating

• Focus on balanced, non-restrictive eating patterns
• Seek help early for emotional issues
• Practise mindful eating
• Reduce stigma around seeking support

Living with compulsive eating

Recovery involves developing new emotional coping skills and building a healthier relationship with food and body image. A specialist team should be involved with this including therapy and medical support. 

How to manage compulsive eating in the long term

• Ongoing therapy or support groups
• Continued use of mindful eating techniques
• Addressing emotional triggers proactively

Dr Jackir Hussain is a GP who has been a doctor for 14 years after obtaining his medical degree from the University of Manchester, England. He has worked across a range of primary care settings and has special interests in weight management and telemedicine.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

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