Overeating is a serious medical condition manifesting in a compulsive, out-of-control relationship to food. A person who overeats turns to food to deal with stress and other uncomfortable emotions. As a result, these emotions go untreated and often become worse, spiraling into guilt, depression, and low self esteem. Because the overeater is unable to properly manage food intake, the physical body becomes vulnerable to life-altering health issues.

Overeaters are prone to obesity, depression, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and other long-term illnesses due to the stress endured by the body. These secondary health problems are also linked to feelings of depression and guilt, making overeating a truly vicious cycle and a seriously debilitating illness. Overeating treatment aims to break this cycle by addressing the wide range of health and emotional problems associated with overeating.

Because overeating is both a psychological and a physical problem, overeating treatment should deal with the array of behavioural and emotional struggles at the core of the illness. Some compulsive eaters are in denial of their condition or do not see it as a problem. Others consider their unhealthy eating habits a moral failing, or see food as their only reliable comfort. It is imperative to recognize that overeating is an unhealthy pattern of behaviour and the comfort food provides is only temporary. Eating when feeling sad or stressed, eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting, eating when not hungry, and feeling guilty at this lack of control are just a few of the symptoms of overeating. Yet overeating is not a moral failing: it is an illness that afflicts many people, and it is treatable. Overeating treatment helps people recognize and address these issues. For many, treatment is a crucial step in regaining control over their relationship with food.

Do I need Overeating treatment?

I think I have an Overeating problem, how can I tell? What are the Overeating Disorder symptoms?

Obtaining overeating treatment is an imperative action to take for those that are suffering from an eating disorder. The first step in treating this condition is admitting you have a problem and identifying it. There are several issues that may apply to you, and may act as red flags to identify this disorder. Perhaps you regularly eat very large amounts of food, regardless of whether or not you are hungry. Do you feel powerless to break this habit? Do you eat when you're sad, angry or experiencing any other type of strong emotional feeling? Maybe you're hiding your eating habits from friends and family, abstaining from eating in front of them and then overeating when you are alone. Perhaps you feel embarrassed and ashamed of your appearance and are always finding flaws with yourself. These are all signs of having overeating disorder. Denial is also a common symptom.

I think I need Overeating treatment, how can Life Works help me?

You may be wondering how to help yourself once you've established the fact that you're suffering from an illness. It can get worse over time if it is left untreated, so it's important to act now and nab the problem early on. Understand your condition and remember that you can and will recover. Find a program that will treat you for illnesses that may have occurred in the past, such as mental or physical illnesses you may have struggled with. Involving your family in the recovery process is also an important step that you may want to take. Remember that the earlier you act, the greater chance you have at recovery. It makes it easier to get over a problem if you treat it early on.

How can I start Overeating treatment at Life Works?

Keep in mind that you aren't the only person that has ever been treated for an overeating disorder, and you certainly will not be the last person to be helped. Nearly 2 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from eating disorders, and there is even more leading incredible paths to total recovery. By calling a hotline at an overeating treatment centre, you will talk to a counselor who will guide you to the right overeating treatment to take. You then proceed to a pre-screening assessment, where you are able to discuss your problems more in-depth with counselors who will assess your personal needs. Also, you may arrange a medical assessment which factors in past medical conditions to help treat your current problems. An overeating treatment center programme for you should be friendly, safe and confidential. When you arrive, you will be welcomed by a friendly admissions team, and then undergo a final medical assessment by the medical team. The main component of a facility is group therapy, which may really help you recover. It starts with a call, 0800 081 0700