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Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorders: How to Manage Eating

By on July 13, 2017

Why do we Eat??

We eat food to derive energy and nutrients from our body that are required by our body to carry out various functions, grow, boost our immunity and fight off diseases.
But what when eating becomes a disorder?

Why do we Eat

Why do we Eat

What is Meant by Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

The obsessive compulsive eating disorder is included in the list of anxiety disorders. Here the patients are bothered by the continuous thoughts to eat and he is finally persuaded by his thoughts to eat again and again. This disorder exists mostly along with other illness.

Meant by Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

Meant by Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

The patient suffering from the obsessive compulsive eating disorder is haunted again and again by the thoughts of eating. He/she also may show other signs of obsessive compulsive disorder like living in fear to instigating harm to others or oneself, fear of getting dirty or unhygienic, may become excessively superstitious, may fear that he/she will lose possession or have a strong belief in having everything perfect or symmetrical.

Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

Besides this, they may have obsessive thoughts about calories and food. He/she may try to follow some rituals related to eating like cutting veggies in symmetry or hoarding the food items. They may choose food according to their favorite color, shape or weight. You will hear the person suffering from obsessive compulsive eating disorder continuously say that they are hungry even if they just ate an hour before. You will found them constantly checking the fridge and exploring kitchen to find something to eat.

Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

There may be many reasons that persuade a person to overeat. But usually, this disorder is the result of anxiety and stress. It occurs secondary to other psychological issues. Some people also overeat because of lack of knowledge regarding calories or they are accustomed to eating a lot. For many eating becomes a favorite pastime and some way to ease their emotions.

Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

What steps to be taken to Control Obsessive-Compulsive Eating Disorder

First of all, if you see sign and symptoms of obsessive overeating meet a counselor to get to the root of the cause. You will need proper counseling for anxiety and depression. You may need certain psychotherapy treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy or dialectical therapy to cure the obsessive eating disorder.

If in case over-eating is just a habit, due to lack of knowledge, a pastime, or overcome stress and ease emotions you may try steps mentioned below to control overeating:

1.Maintain A Diary

Note down what all you are eating. This lets you keep a record of your eating habit. Also, note down your feeling and you will know what emotions cause you to eat more. Self-assessing your eating habits will help you control it.

Maintain A Diary

Maintain A Diary

2.Reduce Stress

Try meditation, yoga, and breathing exercise to keep stress at bay.

Reduce Stress

Reduce Stress

3. Eat only when you are Hungry

Eating should not be a time pass or just to rejoice your taste buds. Eat only when you are hungry to gain energy and body nutrients.

4. Eat Slowly

Do not just swallow food but chew your food. Your food will satisfy you only when it’s been chewed. If you are not satisfied you eat more.

5. Drink more Water

Water will keep your stomach full. You will eat less and also water detoxes your body and keeps you hydrated. So even after having your meal, you feel hungry after an hour goes for a glass of zero calorie plain water.

Drink more Water

Drink more Water

6. Sleep Sound

the Sound sleep of 7-8 hours is very important to balance your fat levels.

7. Eat Healthy

Junk foods and processed foods to not fulfill your body’s nutrient requirement and make you eat more. So eat healthily. Add fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and whole grain to your diet.

Eat Healthy

Eat Healthy

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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