What are the steps for overcoming binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder, also called compulsive eating or overeating, is a serious mental illness that causes people to lose control over their eating. People with binge eating disorder often eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel that they cannot stop eating even if they are not hungry. Binge eating disorder is different from overeating on occasion, such as during holidays or at a party. Binge eating disorder is a chronic condition that can lead to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The first step in overcoming binge eating disorder is to seek professional help. A therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your binge eating and develop a plan to stop the behavior. You may also need to see a doctor to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your binge eating.
The second step is to make changes to your diet. This may include eating smaller meals more often throughout the day, cutting out sugary and processed foods, and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
The third step is to start an exercise routine. Exercise can help you burn off excess calories, release endorphins that boost your mood, and improve your self-esteem.
The fourth step is to change the way you think about food and your body. This may involve challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself, developing a healthy body image, and learning to appreciate your body for its strength and ability to function, rather than its appearance.
The fifth and final step is to develop a support system of family and friends who will help you stick to your treatment plan and offer encouragement during difficult times.Extra resources
What are the causes of binge eating disorder?
The National Eating Disorder Association report that approximately 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents will suffer from binge eating disorder (BED) in their lifetime. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); feeling a lack of control over eating during the episode; and experiencing feelings of shame, distress, or guilt afterwards. Unlike bulimia nervosa, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging) after binge eating episodes.
There are a number of different contributing factors that can lead to the development of binge eating disorder. These can be divided into three main categories: psychological factors, sociocultural factors, and biological/genetic factors.
Psychological factors that may contribute to the development of BED include:
-Low self-esteem or poor body image
-Distorted beliefs about weight and shape
– perfectionism
-Unhappy childhood experiences
-Stressful life events
-Traumatic experiences
-Lack of coping skills
Sociocultural factors that may contribute to the development of BED include:
-The pressure to be thin (e.g., from the media, friends, or family)
-Dieting culture
-Weight stigma
Biological/genetic factors that may contribute to the development of BED include:
-Certain medical conditions (e.g., Prader-Willi syndrome, night eating syndrome)
-Family history of eating disorders or other mental health disorders
-Changes in brain chemistry or hormones
It is important to note that there is not one single cause of binge eating disorder. Rather, it is likely that a combination of psychological, sociocultural, and biological/genetic factors contribute to its development. If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, please seek professional help. There are treatment options available that can help.
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