What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder, which occurs when people binge eat compulsively and regularly. Generally, people with binge eating disorder feel that they cannot stop eating, even if they are not hungry.
People with binge eating disorder often use food as a means of coping with underlying emotions or pressures. Although everyone tends to overeat from time to time, what defines binge eating disorder is the fact that this behavior becomes compulsive and frequent.
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
Symptoms of binge eating disorder include:
- Eating without hunger or when you feel full, with the feeling of not being able to control how much you eat.
- Eating very large portions in a short time
- Eating too fast
- Eating alone or in secret
- Feeling guilty or embarrassed after overeating
- Difficulty losing weight in a healthy way
Binge eating disorder differs from bulimia in that people with this disorder do not expel food after eating by vomiting or abusing laxatives.
What causes binge eating disorder?
The causes of binge eating disorder are largely unknown. However, certain risk factors have been identified that increase predisposition to binge eating disorder. These risk factors include:
- Age: although this disorder can occur at any age, it usually begins in the late teens or early 20s.
- Genetics: predisposition to binge eating disorder may be increased if a family member has already had an eating disorder, suggesting that it may run in families.
- Emotional and psychological problems: stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and negative body image are associated with contributing to the onset of binge eating disorder.
- Historical relationship with food: those who have done a lot of dieting in the past may suffer from this eating disorder. In addition, people who have been obsessed with counting calories or fasting during the day may trigger an urge to binge eat.
How can binge eating disorder be prevented?
Encouraging a healthy relationship with food and a positive body image can be helpful in preventing the onset of binge eating disorder. In addition, it is very important to recognize the symptoms of binge eating disorder as early as possible in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.
What is the treatment for binge eating disorder?
Deciding to seek treatment for binge eating disorder is the first step toward recovery. The main goal for successful treatment is to learn to control your eating and adopt a healthier attitude toward food, body image and your emotions.
Treatments for this disorder range from self-help programs to individual therapy sessions and sometimes incorporate prescription medications. In addition to addressing the underlying psychological factors of this disorder, treatment also addresses weight loss in a healthy and structured way. Such methods include meal plans, food diaries and regular exercise.
The most important fact about the treatment of binge eating disorder is that most people gradually improve, provided they get the help and support they need.