Treatment for Compulsive Overeating

Treatment programs that address only the depression, will not be successful in breaking the cycle of compulsive overeating. The compulsive overeater needs treatment for both the clinical symptoms of depression, and the behavior of compulsive eating, to successfully end this vicious cycle.

The most effective weight loss programs are comprehensive: they combine diet, behavior modification (lifestyle change), nutritional education, exercise, medication (where appropriate) and long-term maintenance support.

As for pharmacologic treatment, compulsive overeaters are primarily treated with antidepressants. Psychological treatment, particularly cognitive/behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, is as effective as antidepressants in the short-term. However, in the long-term, psychological treatment is more effective.

Recovering from compulsive overeating and losing weight are extremely difficult processes and requires long-term changes with professional guidance to help you learn new eating habits and maintain long-term weight loss.

Weight Control Techniques

• Keep a food diary for a week to become aware of your eating habits.
• Eat all meals and snacks in one location.
• Sit down when eating.
• Avoid other activities while eating.
• Eat slowly.
• Use a smaller plate or bowl.
• Try to avoid seconds. If you must, choose a salad or vegetable.
• Stay away from the kitchen except for meals.
• Don't keep problem foods around.
• Grocery shop at a time when you're not hungry.
• Store food out of sight.
• Find responses other than eating to feelings like boredom, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, frustration and anger.
• Find other ways to reward yourself besides eating.
• Exercise regularly.
• Weigh yourself no more often than once a week.
• Set goals to change eating behaviors. Make small changes and be patient with yourself. Changing habits takes time and work.

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