According to the American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc. you should be concerned if your teen experiences these issues:

For more information on eating disorders contact the American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc. at www.aabainc.org.

Many people have a tendency to occasionally eat more than they should or to choose unhealthy foods and snacks. However, those who cannot seem to control their food intake may suffer from compulsive eating disorder. Left untreated, this condition can lead to obesity and serious health problems. Several treatment options are available to help sufferers overcome this illness.

Compulsive eating disorder is characterized by the uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food (especially unhealthy foods high in calories, fat and sugar) in a short period of time, leading to weight gain. It often is called binge-eating disorder and is referred to by some as food addiction. A typical binge may involve eating anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 calories in less than 40 minutes. Unlike bulimics, compulsive overeaters do not attempt self-induced vomiting (or purging) after they have eaten. They usually are aware of their problem, but feel like it is out of their control.

Binge eaters often are misunderstood as simply lacking willpower or having hedonistic appetites. Actually, sufferers of this disorder usually eat as a way of acting out their feelings or suppressing or expressing deeper unresolved emotional problems, including stress, past abuse and low self-esteem. Overeating behaviors often begin in early childhood, when eating patterns first form.

Many compulsive eaters use food as a way to cope with fears and anxieties. These stressful feelings can stimulate a strong appetite to eat. Those who compulsively overeat may use food as a way to reward themselves, boost their self-esteem or garner attention from others. They may eat compulsively to develop an obese appearance as a defense mechanism to repel people and their unwanted attention. Research shows this behavior is common among women who have been victims of sexual abuse.

Compulsive eating disorder affects men and women of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Currently in America, about 35 percent of women and 31 percent of men are obese, many due to a compulsive eating disorder. North Americans spend more than $35 billion annually to lose weight via dieting and exercise programs, yet most relapse into their old compulsive eating behaviors because they have failed to acknowledge and treat the emotional sources of their problems. Left untreated, compulsive overeaters usually develop serious health conditions, including heart disease and Type II diabetes. Symptoms of compulsive eating disorder include:

Treatment Options

Compulsive overeating is a disease. Once a sufferer is willing to admit he or she has a problem and is committed to seeking help and following through with a recommended treatment plan, the disorder can be managed and controlled. If you are experiencing symptoms of compulsive overeating, do not be afraid to seek help. Your physician should be able to coordinate an effective treatment plan and refer you to any necessary specialists.

Treatment options for compulsive overeating include:

Try these suggestions to help manage your compulsive eating disorder:

Eating-disorder Resources

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