Compulsive Eating and How it Affects Health

Food is a necessity of life. People need food to live. But it can also be the very thing that makes people ill. Health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart health can be affected by the food that is consumed. Another hidden danger involving food is eating disorders. Compulsive eating disorder (CED) isn’t just emotional eating. It is a disorder that is considered a food addiction.

This eating disorder can cause physical and mental health issues and even lead to death. Food in huge and excess amounts can cause a person to become sick and may affect other physical aspects of a person’s body. Most of the time a person who engages in compulsive eating may be unable to control the urge to eat or may eat continuously (graze) all day. This is why compulsive eating can be a hidden danger of food.

Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, So that you do not have it in excess and vomit it. – Proverbs 25:16, NASB

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The most common symptoms of compulsive eating disorder

Individuals who eat compulsively only consume more than they need on occasion. However, the frequent episodes could be classified as binge eating, which is a mental health disorder. The two disorders share symptoms, but compulsive eating disorder symptoms are not as severe as those related to binge eating. Understanding the signs can help a person be empathetic and informed about compulsive eating disorders.

• Eating large amounts of food when not hungry.
• Eating quickly.
• Continuing to eat even when it is physically impossible.
• Feeling remorseful after eating a large amount of food.
• Rapid weight changes.
• Keeping the eating habit hidden because of shame.
• Hoarding food.
• Gastrointestinal problems.

It is important to make a note that even though there may be weight gain with CED, a person of any size can experience compulsive eating.

What is the cause of compulsive eating disorder?

The causes of compulsive eating disorder are related to the individual. The symptoms for one person may not be the same for others.

Biological factors: This is where genetics, hormones, nutrition, and gender play a part in CED. The most common biological factors related to compulsive eating are:

• A relative with an eating disorder or mental health condition.
• History of dieting.
• Type 1 diabetes.

Psychological factors: These factors are influenced by personality or disposition. Common psychological factors related to CED are:

• Rigid thinking patterns.
• Negative body image.
• Perfectionism.
• History of other mental health issues (anxiety).

Environmental factors: There are social and cultural factors that can influence the behavior of people with a compulsive eating disorder. These factors include:

• Limited social support.
• History of being teased or bullied.
• Weight stigma.

Common effects of compulsive eating disorder

The effects of CED can be lingering. Compulsive eating disorders can create a variety of health complications. These can also be life-threatening. The longer a person struggles with compulsive eating the more intense the effect on a person’s health.

Cardiovascular

Consuming large amounts of food can create a risk factor for obesity. This is related to cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels. The consumption of sugary and processed foods is related to metabolic syndromes, which is a cluster of many physical conditions like blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood pressure. This can lead to stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Gastrointestinal

Compulsive eating disorder can have an impact on the stomach and intestines. The average adult’s stomach can expand from the size of a clenched fist to about 1 quart. When a person consumes more food than the stomach can hold, it can lead to vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and gas. Consuming inadequate amounts of nutrients can lead to other issues such as constipation, blocked intestines, and even stomach rupture.

Neurological

The brain consumes about a fifth of the body’s calories. This means that compulsive eating can create a feeling of fatigue. This is due to the drop in blood sugar. Compulsive eating can lead to mental decline linked to obesity.

Hormonal

The hormones responsible for appetite control can become disrupted which can create a cycle of overeating. Eating foods that release feel-good hormones (dopamine) can activate the pleasure center of the brain and this will affect the hunger regulation balance.

Diagnosing and treating compulsive eating disorder

There are no specified tests to diagnose CED. A qualified physician can examine medical history as well as lab results to help with diagnosing compulsive eating disorder. Treating compulsive eating disorder has no specified protocol, but it is treatable through intervention-type programs.

Nutritional education is one of the leading treatment options for people who struggle with compulsive eating disorders. A dietitian can provide information about healthy food choices and how to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Making lifestyle changes can also reduce the mental stress that is associated with compulsive eating. Adding movement to the daily routine can increase overall health and help with losing weight.

There are medications available that can assist with the treatment of compulsive eating. A healthcare provider can help choose the right medication based on what the person may need.

Psychotherapy, known as talk therapy, is focused on changing the thought process and behaviors of the person struggling with CED. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the leading therapy used to treat compulsive eating disorders.

A final avenue of getting help with compulsive eating is joining a support group. Connecting with a group of people who understand provides a sense of community and a safe space to have conversations about the challenges and struggles of CED.

Recovery tips for CED

Individuals who are getting treatment have a better success rate when they implement recovery tips. These may not look the same for each person, but they are helpful in combination.

• Seek professional help by working with a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders.
• Develop a healthy relationship with food that will help with recognizing hunger and fullness cues. Engaging in physical activity can help with maintaining the right mindset about food.
• Practice self-care by engaging in activities that incorporate exercise, hobbies, mental well-being, and prayer time.
• Build a support system of family and friends who will encourage and support the new lifestyle.
• Reframe the thought process to a more positive mindset about food and body. Create statements of positive self-talk.

Prevention

When it comes to preventing compulsive eating disorder a person may find themselves overwhelmed. It is worth noting that if a person feels they may be experiencing CED or may have risk factors that could lead to a compulsive eating disorder, they can create measures that will help them avoid the chance of engaging in the behavior of CED.

• Avoid a restrictive diet. Some people are unable to place themselves on a stringent diet because they feel as though they have starved themselves.
• Recognize and understand eating habits. When a person takes time to understand their eating habits and how they are connected to emotions, they will likely learn how to implement a coping skill to replace overeating.
• Talk to someone. Those who are struggling to understand their habits and behaviors about food may find it helpful to connect with a Christian counselor or dietitian.

Next steps

Compulsive eating disorder can be harmful to a person’s health. Many times, this disorder remains hidden until there is a need for intervention due to a health issue. This disorder is treatable, and it is possible to recover and create a healthy lifestyle. Through proper treatment and support, a person can recover without facing any harmful effects.

Connect with a Christian counselor near you to begin your journey to a better and healthier you. Call our office today for more information.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31, NASB