Health Tip: Understanding Compulsive Overeating

By
Diana Kohnle
March 24, 2008, 1:31 AM ET
1 min read

Mar. 23 -- (HealthDay News) - Compulsive overeating occurs when a person uncontrollably binges on large amounts of food. The affected person usually is overcome with feelings of guilt and shame.

Brown University offers these common reasons for why people compulsively overeat:

  • To satisfy an obsession or preoccupation with food, weight and eating.
  • To cope with other issues that the person can't control.
  • To deal with stress, anxiety or depression.
  • To mask low self-esteem.