Compulsive Eating Disorder

by: AimyD
Total views: 29 | Word Count: 588

To get things started you should know what compulsive eating disorder is. This is an addiction to food, yet it is past the point of just overeating. This disorder has long term psychological effects on people which would make them feel ashamed of themselves for eating so much. People with this disorder are more likely to become overweight and have mental and physical problems throughout their lives.

This disorder will affect a persons well being, meaning that after their social and psychological life has gone down the drain their life as a whole will become more and more endangered. Many people around the world are living with compulsive eating disorders, but don’t be alarmed by this you need to know that you can overcome this life threatening disorder will the help and support of family, friends, and little will power.

As with other disorders that affect the mind and body, there are symptoms you should be aware of at all times. These signs or symptoms, may not be noticeable at first, in other words you may not realize you are doing them until you sit down and really think about it or begin to talk about it with those that are closest to you.

The first symptom of this disorder is generally binge eating, eating without being able to control what you take in. Then next sign is the diet. Many people will diet shortly after they begin binge eating, this is a technique used by overeaters to help them feel better about themselves and make them over look the problems this disorder has put on them.

During the dieting many people find it easy to take laxatives and induce vomiting. Laxatives are meant to be taken for relief of constipation not to help someone overcome a battle with compulsive eating. Also, vomiting is a reflex used when something is not right in the stomach. Meaning, if you eat something that doesn’t agree with you it is coming out with force. Not only is vomiting disgusting and causes bad breath, but vomiting in excess will begin to deteriorate the lining of your esophagus. This will cause more health problems later down the road.

Many times compulsive eaters become concerned with their physical appearance, making them have mood swings and even become depressed because of it. In women with this disorder irregular periods have been known to be a physical sign, along with heartburn, swollen glands, and dental problems.

After you have recognized the symptoms of this disorder you should begin to think about why you let yourself get like this to begin with. Many times this disorder could come from an emotional battle with something, such as the loss of a loved one. Being on an emotional rollercoaster like this will make a person turn to food for comfort. This disorder not only affects millions of adults but has begun to affect children too. This is due to parents giving their children food to get them to calm down when they are throwing a fit about something. Although they are your children you should still keep in mind the long term affects this will have on your child.

After you have acknowledged that you have an eating disorder you should seek help immediately. If you talk to a psychiatrist about your disorder and what may have caused it, she will be able to help further. There is a way to overcome anything that ales you, so take the first step to recovery, call a therapist and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.