Overeating: Addiction and Binge Eating

Should I Eat The Last Cookie? A chicken drumstick, mashed potatoes, ear of corn, peas, salad and a piece of chocolate cake; how many people can say that they can eat that much in one sitting? Overeating, otherwise known as gluttony, has begun to create controversy in today’s world. The controversy being over whether overeating is considered to be a sin, or in fact, considered an illness While most people think it is just an unhealthy attitude towards food, compulsive overeating disorder is not just about a food problem, but an illness with underlying issues and emotions. Overeating is an addiction to food. An addiction is continued repetition of a behavior, despite the negative effects, or consequence. Addiction is considered to be an illness. Overeating, therefore, is an illness. Overeaters share the mindset of others with eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia aren’t the only eating disorders, overeating, in fact, is an eating disorder. Though, an eating disorder drastically affects its victims physically, it ultimately is a mental illness. Compulsive overeating produces emotional, psychological and physiological side effects that can dramatically compromise one's quality of life and hope for the future. Biological abnormalities can contribute to binge eating. For example, the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls appetite) may not be sending correct messages about hunger and fullness. Researchers have also found a genetic mutation that appears to cause food addiction. Finally, there is evidence that low levels of the brain chemical serotonin play a role in compulsive eating (Smith). Depression and binge eating are strongly linked. Many binge eaters are either depressed or have been before; others may have trouble with impulse control and managing and expressing their feelings. Low self-esteem, loneliness, and body dissatisfaction may also contribute to binge eating. One can develop fairly serious health issues due to excessive eating.