What is 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 episode; and feeling depressed, guilty, or ashamed after the episode. Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following: eating much more quickly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry; eating alone because of feeling embarrassed; feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards.
BED was first recognized as a distinct mental disorder in 2013 and is now the most common eating disorder in the United States. It affects 3.5% of women, 2.0% of men, 1.6% of adolescents, and 2.8% of middle-aged adults in a given year. The disorder occurs across all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness that can lead to physical problems. It can damage your self-esteem and lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust. Binge eating disorder can also lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other mental health disorders. If you have BED, you may be at a higher risk for suicide.
If you think you may have binge eating disorder, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional. He or she can help you figure out if you have the disorder and create a treatment plan.
What causes binge eating disorder?
The cause of binge eating disorder is not fully understood. There are many factors that may play a role, including:
Biological factors: Some research suggests that certain chemicals in the brain may be linked to binge eating disorder.
Psychological factors: People with binge eating disorder may have a history of trauma or abuse. They may also have a family history of mental illness or eating disorders.
Environmental factors: Some research suggests that people with binge eating disorder may have had a poor body image or been teased about their weight as children.
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
The symptoms of binge eating disorder include:
Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort)
A feeling of a loss of control during the episode
Feeling depressed, guilty, or ashamed after the episode
Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
Eating much more quickly than normal
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards
What are the consequences of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder can lead to physical and mental health problems.
Physical health problems: Binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and other physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Mental health problems: Binge eating disorder is associated with a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. People with binge eating disorder may also be at a higher risk for suicide.
How is binge eating disorder treated?
Binge eating disorder is treated with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Therapy: Therapy can help people with binge eating disorder learn healthy coping skills and change the way they think about food and their bodies.
Medication: Some people with binge eating disorder may benefit from medication, such as antidepressants.
Lifestyle changes: People with binge eating disorder may need to make lifestyle changes, such as eating regular meals, getting regular exercise, and avoiding trigger foods..Visit Here
What resources are available for people with binge eating disorder?
Though the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that only 1.6% of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder (B.E.D.), this number may be much higher. The reason for this discrepancy is that, for many people suffering from the disorder, the symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional. This is not to say that the disorder is any less serious; in fact, people suffering from B.E.D. often feel as though they are out of control and their binge eating episodes can have serious consequences on their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and work life.
If you think that you may be suffering from binge eating disorder, the first step is to speak with your primary care physician. He or she can rule out any physical ailments that may be causing your symptoms and can refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. There are also many resources available online and in books that can help you to better understand the disorder and how to cope with it.
There are a few different types of treatment available for people suffering from binge eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective forms of treatment. This type of therapy helps people to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their binge eating episodes, and then to change these thoughts and behaviors. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another form of treatment that focuses on the person’s relationships and how they may be affecting his or her binge eating. Lastly, antidepressants are often prescribed to people suffering from B.E.D. in order to help balance the chemicals in the brain that may be contributing to the disorder.
No matter what type of treatment you choose, it is important to remember that you are not alone in this. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.
We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about overcoming binge eating disorder. Original Article.