Compulsive Overeating and Diabetes

By Sherry Ellis RN, CDE, Preventative Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Fontana

Do you often eat when you are not hungry?

Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?

Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after eating compulsively?

Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?

Do you plan these secret-eating binges ahead of time?

Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?

Do you resent others telling you to "use a little willpower" to stop eating compulsively?

Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet "on your own" whenever you wish?

Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?

Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?

If you have any of these behaviors on more than an occasional basis, you may be a compulsive overeater. Some attitudes and/or behaviors of the compulsive overeater may include:

Having a strong desire to eat even when you are not hungry.

Continuing to eat even after hunger has been satisfied.

Having a sense of urgency about eating.

Eating large amounts of food or highly caloric foods in a short period of time.

Continuing to eat and not being aware that you are still eating.

Geneen Roth, a leading author in the area of compulsive eating, states that compulsive overeating is a way for people to "numb" themselves against painful or uncomfortable feelings or simply to escape from stress. Compulsive eaters turn to food in much the same way addicts turn to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

In addition to the emotional toil of guilt, remorse and feeling out of control, compulsive eating has very real consequences for the person with diabetes. Overeating results in high blood glucose that can damage the blood vessels and nerves over time. Overeating results in excess weight that may contribute to insulin resistance, and ultimately may require more medication to control blood sugars. Obesity is the cause of many health problems involving the heart, blood pressure and joints.

Breaking the diet/binge cycle caused by compulsive overeating requires a journey of self-awareness. The individual must look inside himself or herself discover what is causing the compulsive eating. To come to this self-awareness requires a person to learn how to observe one's own behaviors and recognize motivations around food. Self-awareness can be achieved through a number of exercises and techniques, including delaying impulsive urges to eat and journal writing to help identify feelings.

Joining support groups can lend insight and help you to change your relationship with food. Learn to listen to your body. Feed your body when it's hungry and stop eating when it has had enough food. Learn to recognize the way food has had an overstated importance in your life. Find healthier alternatives to deal with stress and uncomfortable feelings. Redirect all the time, energy and effort spent worrying about weight, thinking about food and trying to control your eating into self-discovery and insight into your relationship with food. Books, tapes, workshops, and groups are available to assist you on this journey of self-discovery. You will find a list of resources at the end of this article.

If you think compulsive overeating may be a problem for you, contact your local Health Education Department. You can find out about classes where you can learn how to manage your diabetes better or arrange an appointment with a registered dietitian to assist you with appropriate meal planning.

Resources:

Books:

Breaking Free From Compulsive Overeating
By Geneen Roth.

When Food Is Love
By Geneen Roth.

Feeding The Hungry Heart
By Geneen Roth.

Overcoming Overeating
By Hirschman and Munter

Weight Loss From The Inside Out: Help For The Compulsive Eater
By Marion Bilich

National Center for Overcoming Overeating
P.O. Box 1257
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0920
212-875-0442

Breaking Free Workshops
Sponsored by Geneen Roth and Associates
P.O. Box 2852
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
www.geneenroth.com
831-685-8601

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous
1006 Pioneer Blvd Ste 101
P.O. Box 4403
Santa Fe Springs, CA
310-942-8161

Overeaters Anonymous
6075 Zenith CT. N.E.
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-2664 FAX 505-891-4320
www.overeatersanonymous.com