Compulsive Eating Disorder: Possible Symptoms And Treatment Options

Food can be a source of physical and emotional sustenance for many of us. It might bring joy or comfort, and could be a way to celebrate special occasions with friends or family. Sometimes, though, people develop disordered eating habits that range from restriction to binge eating. 

Compulsive eating disorder, otherwise known as binge eating disorder, is more than occasional emotional eating. It’s one of the several types of eating disorders experienced by up to 5% of the population.

If you begin suspect that you may be developing what you consider a “food addiction,” you may benefit from speaking to a licensed therapist regarding compulsive overeating or other forms of an eating disorder. 

What is compulsive eating disorder?

Compulsive eating disorder (CED), also commonly known as binge eating disorder, is generally known as a mental health condition that is characterized by recurring episodes of excessive or uncontrolled eating behaviors. CED is considered by some to be the most common eating disorder, with other common examples including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. 

CED-related binge eating episodes can involve eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort or pain. When engaging in compulsive eating relating to CED (or what some incorrectly refer to as “compulsive overeating”) people may also experience excessive distress or feel as though they have a lack of control.

Binge eating disorder might significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. However, therapeutic options are available to support a person living with this disorder in seeking a higher quality of life. 

It is important to note that a compulsive eating disorder is not generally the same as compulsive overeating or a lack of self-control around food. So what may be interpreted as “compulsive overeating symptoms” is considered by many to be a complex condition that can co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, or addiction disorders (like substance use disorder).

If you or someone you know is experiencing this disorder, please contact the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. (Hours of operation: M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

Understanding the symptoms of compulsive eating disorder

 Common signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder or compulsive eating disorder can occur on an individual basis. However, understanding the signs of this common eating disorder can result in a more empathetic and informed societal understanding of how eating disorders may manifest — benefiting those who are experiencing the disorder and those who are not, equally.

It is also important to note that while weight gain can occur in those experiencing CED, a person of any size and body shape can experience an eating disorder or eat compulsively.

Examining the causes of compulsive eating disorder

While there are many possible underlying causes of compulsive eating disorder, current details suggest that certain risk factors could contribute to its development, such as:

Biological factors 

Genetics may play a role in the possibility of someone developing an eating disorder. Additionally, certain brain chemicals (such as serotonin), might impact feelings of hunger and fullness— potentially contributing to binge eating behavior.

Psychological factors

Individuals who live with compulsive eating disorders experienced a traumatic event, stress, or other emotional concerns possibly contributing to eating disorder formation. These experiences could lead to reliance on negative compensatory behaviors and coping mechanisms, such as binge eating, to deal with challenging emotions.

Cultural and societal factors

Society might influence the formation of eating disorders. For example, popular media outlets and social channels can put a lot of pressure on people to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. This can result in negative feelings about one’s body image, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which may potentially contribute to compulsive eating behavior.

Environmental factors

 Exposure to unhealthy food and eating patterns could also play a role in developing compulsive eating disorders. This could include being raised in a family with a history of disordered eating, or being surrounded by a culture that might value thinness and greatly emphasize being on a diet.

Treatment options for compulsive eating disorder

Compulsive eating disorders are considered treatable by many leading experts in the field. Scientifically supported treatment options can include interventions such as: 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is generally considered to be a type of therapy that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are some types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat compulsive eating disorders.

Medication

Several medications are available that can positively impact one’s experience with compulsive eating disorders. Seeking medication-related support can benefit you the most when you work exclusively with a licensed medical practitioner or healthcare provider.

Nutrition-related education

Learning about healthy eating habits and nutrition can be a crucial therapeutic aspect of treatment for those living with compulsive eating disorders. A registered dietitian can help individuals develop a healthy relationship with food as they learn to eat in a balanced and nutritious way. In addition, a dietician may be able to help individuals avoid overly restrictive dieting practices. While restricting calories can be helpful in certain circumstances (for example, for someone who has to pursue weight loss for their health), over restriction may lead to more disordered eating patterns. 

Lifestyle changes

Changing an individual's daily routine, especially around triggering parts of the day, might help reduce stress and the physical health risks associated with eating disorders. Not only that, but lifestyle changes have the potential to improve overall health and well-being.

Support groups

Joining a support group for individuals with compulsive eating disorders could provide a sense of community and a safe space to discuss experiences and challenges. This could be a valuable resource for individuals looking for support and encouragement during their journey to recovery.

It might be helpful to seek professional help if you or someone you know are experiencing the symptoms of compulsive eating disorder. Therapeutic intervention could help individuals overcome binge eating behavior and can promote the development of healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions.  Some organizations, like The Emily Program, may be able to provide multiple treatment types to help personalize an individual’s recovery.

Overcoming compulsive eating: Tips for recovery

Recovering from a compulsive eating disorder may feel overwhelming, but it can be possible. Recovery is an essential process, as eating disorders may cause digestive and kidney diseases. While the occurrence of kidney diseases was more common in those experiencing anorexia nervosa, many eating disorders (including CED) can lead to an increased risk for digestive diseases and other chronic health problems.  

We’ve summarized a list of tips to potentially help those living with the disorder make steps toward recovery: 

• Practice self-care: Consider engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation or hobbies.

• Build a support network: It can be helpful to surround oneself with friends and family members who are supportive and understanding regarding eating disorders.

• Seek professional help: Working with a mental health professional specializing in eating disorders could provide valuable support and guidance during one’s recovery.

• Develop a healthy relationship with food: Learning to recognize when you are physically hungry, eating when this occurs, and understanding fullness cues are all important. In addition to this, engaging in regular physical activity can support one in maintaining a healthy weight and mindset around personal health.

• Challenge negative thought patterns: Reframing negative thoughts about food and your body can be helpful for many. One can then be empowered to reframe them into positive and accurate self-talk and statements. 

Remember, recovery from an eating disorder can feel dynamic or challenging. However, with perseverance and the right tools and support, individuals can successfully overcome binge eating behavior, and develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies along the way.

Benefits of online therapy

Online psychotherapy, or talk therapy, could be a valuable treatment option for individuals with eating disorders. This type of online therapy generally focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors associated with disordered eating. An additional benefit of doing this in an online platform allows the person living with the disorder to seek treatment or help in a discretionary setting. Therapy in this way can encourage them to feel empowered to be more vulnerable and honest than they otherwise would in an in-person therapeutic setting. 

Through online psychotherapy, individuals with compulsive eating disorders could learn to identify and address the root causes of their binge eating behavior, such as stress, anxiety or past trauma. By developing healthy coping mechanisms and learning to manage difficult emotions positively, individuals might be able to reduce binge or compulsive eating behaviors and improve their overall well-being.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Recent entries from the Journal of Eating Disorders currently suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively reduces binge eating behavior in individuals with a compulsive eating disorder. The literature review covered 20+ similarly structured studies, most of which followed a group of individuals with a compulsive eating disorder who received CBT. Results suggested that participants experienced significant reductions in binge eating behavior and improved psychological well-being compared to individuals who did not receive CBT — notated through self-reports. 

This study highlights the potential benefits of psychotherapy, such as CBT, for individuals with a compulsive eating disorder. Current literature suggests that online CBT variants are equally effective in treatment value compared to in-person CBT sessions, per details from Student Health Technology Information.