Compensatory Behaviors

Compensatory behaviors are behaviors meant to compensate or "un-do" eating. They are utilized to relieve guilt associated with eating and consuming more calories than intended or discomfort for a patient; or to relieve anxiety that may not be directly correlated with food/eating but provides physical and/or emotional relief. Examples include: purging via self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, colonics or diuretics, fasting or restricting intake for a period of time following consumption, use of diet pills, chewing and spitting, or over-exercising.

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