How to Overcome Compulsive Eating

Overview

When overeating becomes habitual, it is referred to as binge eating disorder, say doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Binge eating, or compulsive eating, is characterized by eating unusually large portions of food, which is followed by feelings of shame and the need to keep it secret. No matter how much the person wants to stop, the compulsion to eat can be overwhelming. There are ways, however, that you can learn how to overcome compulsive eating.

Step 1

Talk to your doctor or a trusted therapist about your compulsive eating behaviors, especially once it begins to interfere with your everyday affairs. Compulsive eating is typically aligned with low self-esteem, poor self-image and depression, all conditions that are treatable with psychotherapy and medications.

Step 2

Join an eating disorders group such as Overeaters Anonymous to find other people going through the same issues who can share with you the techniques they use to control their binging. Unlike substance abuse or alcoholism, you cannot completely stop eating and must learn how to eat appropriately, which includes learning the triggers that set off your compulsive eating.

Step 3

Eat breakfast everyday and avoid dieting. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say that many binge eaters skip breakfast in an attempt to control their eating, setting themselves up for binging later in the day. Real hunger strikes and can trigger overeating later in the day.

Step 4

Look for healthy substitutions to your compulsive eating. Find ways to nurture yourself such as taking bubble baths, going for walks, reading, gardening or other hobbies that can keep you busy until the urge to overeat passes.

Step 5

Consider going into the hospital for inpatient treatment. The Academy for Eating Disorders reports that many psychiatric hospitals have specialized treatment programs for those with binge eating disorder. The programs offer controlled eating environments 24 hours a day that are separate from other psychiatric patients. Those in the eating disorders units can learn nutrition and proper eating habits while they are dealing with their deeper psychological issues.