How to End Compulsive Overeating Disorder

Compulsive overeating disorder is a draining condition that drives an individual to eat beyond the point of necessity. An individual suffering from compulsive overeating disorder never feels full and constantly uses food consumption as a psychological mechanism for coping with life and problems that arise. Similar to drug abuse, overindulgence in food causes a magnitude of both physical and mental problems. Overeating propels obesity as well as related health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other similar problems. Successfully ending the cycle of compulsive eating disorder requires dedication, professional assistance and the full support of loved ones.

Things You'll Need

• Journal or notebook
• Pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Create a food log. Use a journal to keep track of all meals, snacks and drinks eaten for at least seven days. In addition to writing down the amounts of foods eaten throughout the day, take note of when and why the food was consumed. Compulsive overeating is fueled by psychological addiction and an overwhelming desire to use food as an escape. Pay attention to the situation surrounding the need to eat and whether or not the food was used to fill a void or provide comfort.

• 2

  Devise an alternate plan. At the end of the seven-day period, review the findings with a professional nutritionist and psychologist. The nutritionist provides guidelines for healthy meal planning and the psychologist helps determine the causes of the compulsive overeating. Both components of compulsive overeating demand attention-the actual habit of eating as well as the underlying causes. Create a plan for each area to successfully overcome the disorder.

• 3

  Modify eating habits. Before the psychological causes come to light and change, alter the habitual action. Stop eating after dinner or between meals. Substitute inappropriate snacks for fruits and veggies until the compulsion to eat disappears. Eat smaller portions of favorite foods to limit overindulging. Consult the nutritionist for specific instructions and tips to end compulsive overeating by modifying habits.

• 4

  Find a replacement for eating. Compulsive overeating is used as method of dealing with stress or escaping from everyday life. To end compulsive overeating disorder, substitute the act of eating with something appropriate such as exercising, shopping or reading. Choose a realistic activity that is already enjoyed or the replacement will not be effective. For example, a person who hates to exercise will likely find it impossible to exchange eating a piece of chocolate cake for a run on the treadmill.

• 5

  Get to the real root of the problem. If the compulsive overeating is simply replaced with a new addictive activity, the true cause of the problem is not addressed. Compulsive overeating disorder is an addiction like any other and requires therapy and dedication to be overcome. A psychologist trained in eating disorders offers help and guidance for the person with the disorder and his loved ones.