Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating for Women: Is There A Difference?
Compulsive overeating and binge eating are most often discussed as if they were identical. However, Dr. Carolyn Ross M. D., M. P. H., explained on Empowher.com that compulsive eating is different from binge eating. But they share the one similarity: Both compulsive and binge eaters may become obese. Dr Ross adds that “People with obesity [compulsive overeaters] may overeat at every meal, but they may not have this characteristic of eating a large quantity food in one setting.” And they also do not share the binge eaters feelings of shame and guilt.
The U. S. Department of Human Services website lists five symptoms of binge eating:
· Eat much more quickly than usual during binge episodes
· Eat until they are uncomfortably full
· Eat large amounts of food even when they are not really
hungry
· Eat alone because they are embarrassed about the amount of food they eat
· Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
It’s one thing to know the differences between compulsive overeating and binge eating. Yet it is quite another to know the reasons that compel the compulsive or binge eater to put their health and even their lives at risk to fill themselves with so much food.
Some say, binge or compulsive overeaters try to fill a void from a long past-emotional trauma that wasn’t dealt with. Others say, it’s an addiction to food, pure and simple. Others might say, it’s genetics. But whatever it is, we know it is complicated condition, and women who find themselves with these disorders must not ignore them or “just live with it.” There is help. But no quick fixes here. Judy Lightstone, a licensed Family, and Child Counselor, describes the eating disordered woman’s typical first visit to her office on edreferral.com.
Lightstone said, “…I listen to them carefully as they describe their eating in detail to me…. You [her patient] may have a lot to say, or you may be so nervous that you don't know what say.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first to get the conversation started.