From pre-Halloween through the Super Bowl parties, people who struggle with compulsive eating find themselves in a season where every social gathering is fashioned around food. It's often considered the single most difficult time of the year for compulsive eaters.

"There is enormous social pressure to eat... Social messages connect food to celebration, love, entertainment, socializing, etc., which increase the tendency to overeat. This all comes at a time of year when other activities are becoming less available due to changes in the weather. Food then becomes overly important as a way to satisfy emotional needs..."

Emotions are a primary driving force behind compulsive eating and include intense feelings of remorse and guilt. Someone who struggles with overeating needs to be aware of his or her "triggers" and seek support from friends and family.

Labels: binge_eating, recovery, support