What are the steps for overcoming binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. Binge eating episodes are characterized by both of the following:
1. 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.
2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating).
In addition, the binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
1. Eating much more rapidly than normal.
2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
4. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating.
5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards.
If you are struggling with BED, know that you are not alone. BED 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 young adults. While anyone can develop BED, research suggests that there are certain risk factors that may make someone more likely to struggle with the disorder, including:
1. A history of dieting: Dieting, both in the past and currently, is a risk factor for developing BED. This is likely due to the fact that dieting often leads to disruptions in eating patterns, which can in turn lead to binge eating.
2. A family history of eating disorders or obesity: If someone in your family has an eating disorder or obesity, you may be at a higher risk for developing BED. This may be due to genetic factors or to the fact that you grew up in an environment where disordered eating was normalized.
3. Having experienced traumatic or stressful life events: Traumatic life events, such as sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or divorce, can increase the risk for developing BED. This is likely due to the fact that these events can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, which can in turn lead to disordered eating.
4. Having a history of depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder: If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder, you may be at a higher risk for developing BED. This is likely due to the fact that mental health disorders can lead to disruptions in eating patterns, which can in turn lead to binge eating.
If you are struggling with BED, know that help is available and there is hope for recovery. Here are a few steps that may help you overcome BED:
1. Seek professional help: The first step in overcoming BED is to seek professional help from a mental health professional. This is important because BED is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder and should not be dealt with on your own.
2. Join a support group: Another great step in overcoming BED is to join a support group for people struggling with eating disorders. This can provide you with valuable support and resources from others who are going through the same thing.
3. Challenge your thinking: It is important to challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that are associated with BED. This can help you to better understand your disorder and to start to see yourself in a more positive light.
4. Change your eating habits: Once you have started to challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs associated with BED, you can start to change your eating habits. This may involve slowly increasing the amount of food you eat, eating regular meals and snacks, and avoiding binge eating episodes.
5. Seek treatment: If you are struggling with BED, it is important to seek treatment from a mental health professional. This can help you to address the underlying causes of your disorder and to develop a plan for recovery..See page
What are the long-term effects of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly engaging in compensatory behaviors (purging) like those with bulimia nervosa. While there is no definitive cause of BED, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors are thought to contribute to its development.
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2.0% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents. It typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but can occur at any age.
The long-term effects of binge eating disorder can be significant and include both physical and psychological consequences.
Physically, binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and all of the associated health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. People with BED are also more likely to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep disorders, and other medical problems.
Psychologically, binge eating disorder can cause low self-esteem, feelings of shame and guilt, and depression. People with BED are more likely to have anxiety disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), and substance use disorders.
Binge eating disorder can have a negative impact on every area of a person’s life. It can disrupt work or school, and interfere with personal relationships. People with BED often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their eating behaviors, which can lead to social isolation.
Treatment for binge eating disorder typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used type of therapy, and has been shown to be effective in treating BED. Medications commonly used to treat BED include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-obesity medications.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, there is help available. Seek professional help from a mental health provider or call a national helpline, such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.