Compulsive eating can sound preposterous but it is a disorder that afflicts thousands of people. Almost all people tend to overeat at some point of time but when it becomes an addiction that it becomes a cause of concern. People generally become compulsive eaters to cope with their negative emotions. People tend to eat huge amounts of foods even when full and they have no control over their eating habits. The result is obesity and a host of other health related issues. The psychological side effects are also many. Due to their unhealthy eating habits they become solitary and erratic. To get over this eating addiction is like getting over any other addiction. It’s tough but not impossible. The best is to seek professional help so that the treatment is fast and effective. But for that you must learn to recognize the symptoms that accompany compulsive eating. Pinpointing the symptoms makes it easier for the healing process to work on. To familiarize yourself with the various symptoms of compulsive eating disorder read the article given below.
Compulsive Eating Symptoms
- People suffering from compulsive eating disorder find it hard to stop eating. They also tend to have lesser control over what they are eating.
- Eating rapidly large amounts of foods is also another sign of compulsive eating.
- Such people also tend to eat even after they are full. It can be seen that even after eating their regular meal they will continue to gorge on snacks and junk.
- If they find any opposition to their eating behavior then they are more likely to stockpile food so that they can eat it later.
- They also tend to eat huge amounts of food when alone. In company they may eat normally.
- They have no definite meal timings. They tend to wake throughout the day.
- If they do not eat they can tensed up. This feeling of tension can only be relieved through eating.
- Compulsive eating also results in a sense of embarrassment on the amount of food eaten. So, they are reluctant to eat in company. They would rather stay alone to feed their food addiction.
- There is no feeling of satisfaction even after eating large amounts of foods.
- Compulsive eating can throw a person into depression because of a feeling of guilt and disgust.
- To control the excessive weight gained due to overeating the person tries various method to control the weight. In their desperation they will try out various diets to lose weight quickly and then again continue on binging on food. Thus weight fluctuations are another sign of compulsive eating.
- Another sign is that the person constantly thinks of food. Thinking of food can become so obsessive that it can hamper the ability to concentrate of perform the daily chores.
- They get tired very easily, even after light activities. They tend to sweat excessively and also suffer from shortness of breath.
- There is an increase in the blood pressure and also a rise in the levels of cholesterol.
- Decrease in libido followed by extreme mood swings and depression. It also results in poor sleeping habits.
- Other medical signs include the onset of diabetes, arthritis, and embolism. Compulsive eating in pregnant women can lead to toxemia.