What resources are available for people with binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities 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 using unhealthy compensatory behaviors (like purging) to counter the binge eating. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.
There are many resources available for people with binge eating disorder, including therapy, support groups, and medication.
Therapy can be very helpful in treating binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that has been proven to be effective in treating eating disorders. CBT can help people with BED to change their thoughts and behaviors around food and eating. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), another type of therapy, can also be helpful in treating BED. DBT helps people to develop skills to deal with difficult emotions and situations. It can also help people to learn how to be more mindful of their eating.
Support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding for people with BED. There are many different types of support groups available, including in-person groups, online groups, and groups for specific populations (such as for men or for people of color).
Medication can also be helpful in treating binge eating disorder. Several types of medication have been shown to be effective in treating BED, including antidepressant medications and anti-anxiety medications. If you are considering medication for BED, it’s important to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional to find the right medication for you and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, there are many resources available to help. Seek professional help from a therapist, doctor, or other healthcare professional. And consider joining a support group. With treatment, people with BED can recover and live healthy, fulfilling lives.See original website
How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating. A binge is defined as eating an abnormally large amount of food in a short period of time, and is often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Binge eating episodes are usually followed by feelings of guilt and shame.
BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men. It is more common in adults than in children and adolescents. BED is more common in Caucasians than in African Americans or Hispanics.
Symptoms of BED include:
* Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time
* Feeling that you can’t control what or how much you’re eating
* Eating even when you’re full or not hungry
* Eating rapidly during a binge
* Feeling distress or feeling very guilty after a binge
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
There is no single cause of BED. However, there are several factors that may contribute to the development of the disorder, including:
* Biological factors: BED may be caused by a combination of genetic and physiological factors. Studies have shown that people with BED are more likely to have first-degree relatives with the disorder.
* Psychological factors: BED may be caused by a combination of psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress.
* Social factors: Social factors, such as peer pressure and the cultural idealization of thinness, may contribute to the development of BED.
Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing BED, including:
* Gender: BED is more common in women than in men.
* Age: BED is more common in adults than in children and adolescents.
* Race: BED is more common in Caucasians than in African Americans or Hispanics.
* Obesity: People who are obese are more likely to develop BED.
Complications of Binge Eating Disorder
BED can lead to a number of serious psychological and physical complications, such as:
* Obesity: Binge eating can lead to obesity.
* type II diabetes
* high blood pressure
* high cholesterol
* heart disease
* stroke
* gallbladder disease
* sleep apnea
* joint pain
* depression
* anxiety
* social isolation
* substance abuse
Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as counseling or talk therapy, can help people with BINGE identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their disorder. Medications, such as antidepressants, can also be used to treat BED.
We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about overcoming binge eating disorder. Extra resources.