Compulsive Overeating, sometimes referred to as emotional eating disorder, indicates that the individual struggles with a food addiction. People feel a temporary relief to their stressful days or painful emotions by eating without regard to whether or not they are hungry. In order to stop emotional eating, it is imperative that an individual understands that no matter how much they consume, they will not feel full until they address their reasons for feeling empty/deprived. Food and eating are a way to hide from their emotions, to fill a void they feel inside, and to cope with daily stress and problems in their lives.
Binge eating can take place at one time during the day or an individual can snack or graze on small amounts constantly throughout the day. Regardless, they are taking in a large number of calories. For many, night eating is common. Left untreated, compulsive overeating can lead to medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, GI problems, kidney failure, anemia, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, cancer, obesity, joint pain, anxiety and depression, among others.
A compulsive overeater may also have an alcohol or drug addiction. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), people with eating disorders are 5 times more likely to also abuse drugs and alcohol. Also, addicts are 11 times more likely to have an eating disorder.
Dr. Cherwony works with patients in her Boca Raton and North Palm Beach offices to help
them identify and treat their eating disorders.