Compulsive Overeating Disorder

Compulsive Overeating, also known as food addiction, consists of an individual having an obsessive/compulsive relationship to food that typically leads to weight gain and even obesity. Individuals have frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating that can last for hours to days. Some individual with compulsive overeating may be diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder.

• Studies suggest that one in five women have reportedly experienced compulsive overeating at some time in their life.
• Unlike many of the other eating disorders, compulsive eating disorder is almost equally prevalent in men and women, as well as across all ethnic groups.
• Compulsive Overeating has a higher prevalence in the overweight and obese populations.
• Compulsive overeating also has significant medical complications, and often leads to diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
• As with other eating disorders, Compulsive Overeating is a serious condition that cannot be cured by willpower alone. However, with proper medical, psychiatric, and dietary treatment, it can be overcome.

Treatment for compulsive overeating is not primarily aimed at weight loss, but rather on nutritional and behavioral stabilization. Living Hope focuses our treatment on stabilizing compulsive behaviors and thoughts to help restore a person’s relationship with food. We believe that all foods should fit within a balanced meal plan so that no foods are off limits. Our goal is to help identify the function of food or overeating behaviors in a person’s life and help develop healthy coping skills. We offer various levels of care to help you achieve a healthy relationship with food and your body.