Breaking the cycle of binge eating
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 inability to control what or how much one is eating; and feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after eating. Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following: eating much more rapidly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry; eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating; and feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards.
left feeling ashamed, disgusted, and defeated. These are the consequences of binge eating disorder (BED), an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, to the point of discomfort. People with BED often feel they can’t control their eating. They may feel guilty or ashamed after a binge, which can lead to even more binge eating.
This vicious cycle is not only emotionally destructive, but can also lead to serious physical health problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that there are ways to break the cycle of binge eating. With treatment, people with BED can learn to control their eating and live healthier, happier lives.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a relatively new eating disorder that was first recognized in the late 1980s. BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, to the point of discomfort. People with BED often feel they can’t control their eating. They may feel guilty or ashamed after a binge, which can lead to even more binge eating.
Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards
People with BED often eat even when they’re not hungry and continue eating even after they’re full. Binge eating episodes typically last for two hours or more.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
There is no one cause for binge eating disorder. Rather, it is thought to be the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biological factors may play a role in BED, as the disorder has been linked to differences in brain chemistry and hormones. People with BED may have a deficiency of the hormone leptin, which helps to regulate appetite, or a higher than normal level of the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger.
Psychological factors that may contribute to BED include negative body image, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. People with BED may use food to cope with difficult emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or boredom.
Sociocultural factors, such as the pressure to be thin and the growing availability of high-calorie foods, may also contribute to the development of BED.
What are the Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder?
The consequences of BED can be serious and far-reaching. Both physical and mental health problems can result from BED.
Physical health problems associated with BED include obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep problems. People with BED are also at increased risk for gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Mental health problems associated with BED include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. People with BED are also at increased risk for developing other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
Binge eating disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for BED. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common type of psychotherapy used to treat BED. CBT helps people with BED to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the disorder.
Medication may also be used to treat BED. The most common type of medication used to treat BED is antidepressant medication. Antidepressants can help to reduce the frequency and severity of binge eating episodes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, treatment can help. There are many resources available to people with BED, and recovery is possible..Resource
How to recognise the signs of binge eating
The first step in trying to stop binge eating is to be able to recognise the signs that you are doing it. Binge eating disorder is classified as an eating disorder where a person regularly overeats in short periods of time, and feels out of control during these binges. A person with binge eating disorder often feels shame, embarrassment, and guilt after a binge.
There are several signs that may indicate you are binge eating, including:
Eating much more food than usual during a short period of time
Eating even when you’re not hungry
Eating to the point of feeling stuffed or uncomfortable
Eating until you’re sick
Frequently eating alone or hiding food to eat later
Feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty after eating
Binge eating disorder is a serious condition that can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. If you think you may be binge eating, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you figure out if you have binge eating disorder and what treatment options are available.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about how to stop binge eating. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.