The challenges people face when trying to stop binge eating.
Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and emptiness. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2.0% of men, 1.6% of adolescents, and 0.8% of children.
People with binge eating disorder often try to diet and restrict their eating, but this usually makes the problem worse. People with binge eating disorder feel they can’t control their eating and are often ashamed of their eating behavior.
The good news is that binge eating disorder is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, there is hope. With treatment, people with binge eating disorder can learn to control their eating and lead happy, healthy lives.
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. Binge eating episodes are defined as eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.
During a binge eating episode, people feel a loss of control over their eating. They may eat even when they’re not hungry, and they may continue eating until they’re uncomfortably full. Binge eating episodes are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment.
Binge eating disorder is different from Bulimia Nervosa, another eating disorder, in that people with binge eating disorder do not regularly purge the food they have binged on (through vomiting, over-exercising, or the use of laxatives).
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
People with binge eating disorder may:
Eat large amounts of food, even when they’re not hungry
Eat much more quickly than normal
Eat until they’re uncomfortably full
Feel unable to control their eating
Feel ashamed, guilty, or embarrassed about their eating
What causes binge eating disorder?
The exact cause of binge eating disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
People with binge eating disorder may have a family history of eating disorders, depression, or obesity. They may also have negative feelings about their body image. And, they may have difficulty coping with stress or other negative emotions.
What are the consequences of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder can have severe physical and psychological consequences.
Physical consequences of binge eating disorder may include:
Weight gain
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep problems
Muscle and joint pain
Psychological consequences of binge eating disorder may include:
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Substance abuse
Low self-esteem
How is binge eating disorder treated?
Binge eating disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can help people with binge eating disorder understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of binge eating disorder. CBT includes helping people to:
Identify and change negative thoughts about their bodies and eating
Develop healthy eating habits
Identify and avoid situations that trigger binge eating
Deal with their emotions in healthy ways
Medication may also be used to treat binge eating disorder. The most commonly prescribed medications are antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can help to reduce the frequency and severity of binge eating episodes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, there is help available. These resources can provide more information about binge eating disorder and its treatment:
National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357.Reference
The different types of support available for people struggling with binge eating.
If you are struggling with binge eating, know that you are not alone. Many people struggle with this issue, and there is help available. Here are some different types of support that may be helpful for you:
1. Individual therapy: Working with a therapist can be very helpful in addressing binge eating. They can help you understand the root causes of your binge eating and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
2. Group therapy: There are often groups available to help people struggling with binge eating. This can be a great way to meet others who understand what you are going through and to get support from them.
3. Dietitian: Speaking with a dietitian can be helpful in developing a healthy relationship with food. They can help you develop a healthy eating plan that meets your individual needs.
4. Doctor: If you are struggling with binge eating, it is important to speak with your doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical causes and also provide guidance on how to best address the issue.
5. Family and friends: Your family and friends can be a great source of support. They can provide understanding and love during this difficult time.
There are many different types of support available for people struggling with binge eating. These are just a few of the options that may be available to you. If you are struggling, please reach out for help.
We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about help to stop binge eating. Reference.