Compulsive eating is a behavioral condition where individuals feel an uncontrollable urge to eat, often in response to emotional stress rather than physical hunger. This can lead to consuming large quantities of food in a short period, resulting in feelings of guilt or shame afterward. People with compulsive eating may use food as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety or depression. Unlike bulimia or anorexia, compulsive eating does not involve purging or extreme dieting, making it a distinct eating disorder that can significantly impact physical and mental health.