With the holidays approaching, there are many temptations to over-indulge with food, treats, desserts and holiday dinners.  Many people struggle with emotional eating and this can become a habit, leading to a compulsive eating disorder.

Compulsive eating is an eating disorder just as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are recognized eating disorders.  Because compulsive eaters do not have purging symptoms of bulimia nervosa, this behavior is often not recognized as an eating disorder.  As a result, this disorder is more difficult to diagnose and treat.

The following are signs that you are a compulsive eater:

• Crave sugar, fat and salt
• Obsession with weight
• Emotional eating
• May eat secretly
• Depression
• Feelings of guilt and shame

Fortunately, there are several options for treatment with professional help, without surgery, medicine or supplements.  Talk therapy can be used to uncover the reasons for emotional eating and, in time, development of new habits.  The uncontrolled cravings may be replaced with a sense of peace and a new feeling of love and respect for yourself.

Likewise, hypnotherapy can be used to identify the root cause for emotional eating and can improve your self-image and self-confidence, as well as healthy eating and exercise habits.  Professional help, especially including hypnotherapy, can guide you to a healthier, fitter life without guilt and shame-becoming  the person you are meant to be.  Your medical insurance generally covers this condition the same as it does for any other mental health problem.