Society is merciless towards the compulsive overeater. Regarded as gluttonous and unattractive, these cruel prejudices only serve to intensify the low self-esteem and distorted body image that underlie this particular form of addiction.
Overeating is pervasive in this society. It is the cause of some
of the most prevalent health problems in our society today but the
condition is often not recognized for what it is. This recognition is
the necessary first step towards the alleviation of the problem.
Compulsive overeaters tend to share a particular personality profile.
They are often people pleasers who tend to hide their real feelings.
They struggle with low self-esteem and poor body image and they are
often anxious, lonely people who are unable to meet their legitimate
needs in healthy ways.
Overeating typically begins in early childhood when eating patterns
develop. In this early context food is recognized or repeatedly offered
as a solution for all emotional problems. Not only does this "solution"
create physical problems but it perpetuates a vicious cycle.
Food is used as a palliative, a cure-all for emotional pain and a ready
substitute for love and fulfillment but the comfort it offers is an
illusion. Overeating results in an immediate "rush" soon followed by a
downer that demands more of the addictive substance to sustain the
"high". Regular episodic binges are followed by powerful feelings of
guilt and remorse.
The overeater feels completely powerless to break this vicious cycle.
He or she may attempt to compensate for binging with compulsive
attempts to diet, purge or exercise. Ultimately a profound sense of
self-disgust sends them back to the kitchen.
When overeating is recognized as a genuine addiction it can be
successfully treated. Therapy needs to approach the problem from both
physical and psychological angles in order to be truly successful.
Addictions.org
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