For those with eating disorders, eating has a similar effect as does alcohol for the alcoholic or drugs for the drug addict. It can be extremely difficult to say no to such a powerful craving. Fat and sugar suppresses mental anguish. Eating conceals unpleasant feelings. Without eating fat or carbohydrates these unpleasant feelings emerge. You might also eat because you are tempted by delicious food; it can be very hard to resist the temptation.

For some anorectics, not eating has a similar effect.

Is it then necessary to continually gorge food in order to avoid mental anguish and other unpleasant sensations?

No! Those who make contact with their feelings and feel them intensely, will find that the feelings no longer seem to be too difficult to live with. Also, if you understand your real feelings, you can manage them and perhaps solve some personal problems. You can change the way you live until you are happier and more content.

People who experience unpleasant feelings as a compulsion to eat, do not feel their true emotions, and thus prevents themselves from developing as a person.