How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), about 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and up to 1.6% of adolescents suffer from BED. While the disorder is more common in women, men and adolescents are not immune to the condition.
The disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating, followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and distress. A person with BED will often eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, and will feel out of control during these episodes. They may eat even when they are not physically hungry, and will often eat until they are uncomfortably full. These episodes are usually followed by feelings of regret and shame, which can lead to further bingeing.
BED is a serious disorder that can lead to a number of complications, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. The disorder can also take a toll on a person’s mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, it’s important to seek professional help. treatment can help a person manage their disorder and lead a healthy, happy life..Original source
What are the first steps for seeking help for 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 bingeing at least once a week for 3 months.
If you think you may be struggling with BED, the first step is to seek professional help. This can be done by talking to your primary care physician, a mental health professional, or contacting a local or national eating disorder organization for referrals.
Your doctor will likely ask you about your eating habits, how often you binge, how much you eat during a binge, how you feel afterwards, and if you have any other symptoms associated with an eating disorder. They will also likely want to rule out any other potential medical or psychological causes for your symptoms.
Once you have been diagnosed with BED, treatment will typically involve a combination of individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and/or nutrition counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used as it has been shown to be effective in treating other eating disorders. Treatment is typically long-term, as BED is a chronic disorder, but most people with BED can and do recover with proper treatment.
If you think you may be struggling with BED, reach out for help today.
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