What is compulsive eating?

Someone who eats compulsively has come to rely on food for emotional support. They may pick at food all day, and feel they can’t stop themselves. As a result, they are likely to be heavily overweight and in danger of developing health problems because of it.

Compulsive eating is a way of masking problems, often connected with close relationships. Underneath it, people may feel very worthless, lonely and empty, and have a deep sense of loss. Compulsive eaters often deal with problems in life by denying there’s anything wrong.