Compulsive Overeating

Signs and symptoms

• Binge eating, or eating uncontrollably even when not physically hungry
• Eating much more rapidly than normal
• Eating alone due to shame and embarrassment
• Feelings of guilt due to overeating
• Preoccupation with body weight
• Depression or mood swings
• Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
• Rapid weight gain or sudden onset of obesity
• Significantly decreased mobility due to weight gain
• History of weight fluctuations
• Withdrawal from activities because of embarrassment about weight
• History of many different unsuccessful diets
• Eating little in public, but maintaining a high body weight
• Very low self esteem and feeling need to eat greater and greater amounts.
• Is easily irritated.