Many individuals suffer from Compulsive Overeating Disorder and they are not aware that help is available. This eating disorder is a learned behavior traced back to early childhood. The individual learned to develop dysfunctional eating habits – possibly from watching a role model or as an instinctive response to a trauma; this eating disorder leads to obesity which causes shame, guilt and embarrassment, which, in turn, continues the cycle of addiction. When an individual is overweight he or she can’t hide the problem – they wear it for everyone to see. Typically, depression and anxiety appear early on and then isolation begins.

Some co-morbidities associated with Compulsive Overeating Disorder are Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Heart conditions, Fatigue, Low Self-Esteem, Depression, Anxiety to name a few. Even though the physical signs are obvious, the scale tells the person the bad news every time he or she steps on the scale; the cycle of addiction perpetuates the disorder. Compulsive Overeaters spend years watching the scale go up and down. Sadly, every time they experience weight loss it is only short lived. The individual breaks the rigid diet they are on and “cheats” or goes off the diet and the result is more weight gain than when they initially started.

People who are close to the Compulsive Overeater often give unsolicited advice in the misguided belief they are being supportive. A Compulsive Overeater already feels hopeless and unworthy. The help from “friends”, no matter how well intentioned, reinforces what they believe to be true “they can’t stop”, so why try? Inpatient Treatment Program for a Compulsive Overeater is a valid course of treatment. Learning new coping skills and ways of dealing with normal day stressors is essential for success! The foundation to a new way of life is through a supportive dual diagnosis inpatient treatment program where eating disorders are addressed.