Compulsive consumption
Question
I'm worried about the way my boyfriend eats, especially when he is stressed. With exams coming up he seems to be eating junk food all the time. I think he might be a bit of a compulsive eater, can you tell me what the symptoms are?
Answer
Compulsive eating can have both psychological and physical symptoms, however these will vary from person to person. Keep in mind that not all of the signs listed below need to present for someone to be suffering from compulsive eating.
A person with a compulsive eating disorder usually has periods of bingeing or continuous eating.
Unlike bulimia, where the person will make themselves sick after bingeing, someone with a compulsive eating disorder may turn to repetitive dieting and/or starving. Other signs of a compulsive eating disorder are eating frequently and repeatedly, and a feeling of being out of control and unable to stop eating during binges. The person may also eat secretly, may snack and nibble all day long and may feel guilty and ashamed of binge eating.
A compulsive eater may eat for emotional reasons, for short term comfort or during stressful periods and their sense of self-worth may be very tied up in their weight.
A compulsive eater's body size may be thin, 'ideal weight', overweight or obese.
Sometimes the symptoms of compulsive eating may overlap with symptoms of other eating disorders. You can read more indepth information about eating disorders on the Eating Disorders Association website.
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