How does binge eating disorder compare to other eating disorders?
Although binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, it is often misunderstood. BED is a serious, life-threatening illness that is much more complex than simply overeating. While people with BED may eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, they do not do so in response to physical hunger. Instead, they may eat in response to negative emotions such as sadness, boredom, anxiety, or frustration. For many people with BED, the binge eating episodes are followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment.
While there are similarities between BED and other eating disorders, there are also important differences. For example, people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa typically attempt to compensate for their binge eating by purging (through vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives). People with BED do not typically attempt to compensate for their binge eating, which can lead to significant weight gain over time.
Another difference between BED and other eating disorders is that people with BED are often overweight or obese, while people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are typically of normal weight or below. This is one of the reasons why BED is often misunderstood; people assume that people with BED are simply “lazy” or have no self-control. In reality, BED is a complex illness that requires professional treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, it’s important to seek professional help. Although BED is treatable, it is not something that someone can simply “snap out of.” Treatment for BED typically includes a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and/or medication. If you are struggling with BED, know that you are not alone and there is help available.Click Here
What are the steps for overcoming binge eating disorder?
If you are seeking help for binge eating disorder (BED), you are not alone. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Up to 3.5% of women and 2% of men will suffer from BED at some point in their lives1. Despite its high prevalence, binge eating disorder is often underdiagnosed and misunderstood. But there is hope—recovery from BED is possible with the right treatment.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating or “binges.” A binge is defined as eating, in a short period of time (usually less than two hours), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar situation.1 People with Binge Eating Disorder often feel that they cannot control their eating during a binge and they are often embarrassed about how much they are eating. They may eat even when they are not hungry and they often eat to the point of discomfort. Binge eating episodes are usually followed by feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The cause of Binge Eating Disorder is not fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to its development, including:
Genetics: Binge eating disorder may be more common in people who have family members with other eating disorders or mental health disorders.
Biological: Changes in brain chemicals may play a role in the development of Binge Eating Disorder.
Psychological: People with Binge Eating Disorder often have low self-esteem and negative body image. They may use food to cope with difficult emotions or to relieve boredom or stress.
Environmental: People with Binge Eating Disorder may have experienced trauma or stress in their lives. They may have been teased or ridiculed about their weight or eating habits.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
The signs and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for, including:
Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time
Eating even when you are not hungry
Eating to the point of discomfort or pain
Eating more rapidly than usual
Feeling that you cannot control your eating
Feeling embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about your eating
Frequent dieting without weight loss
What are the Complications of Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder can lead to a number of physical and psychological complications, including:
Weight gain
Obesity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Gastrointestinal problems
Musculoskeletal problems
Sleep disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Substance abuse
Binge eating disorder can also lead to social isolation and relationship problems.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
Binge eating disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help you to identify the thoughts and emotions that trigger your binge eating episodes. You will also learn healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and reduce stress. Medication can help to control the symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder, but it is not a cure. The most commonly used medications for Binge Eating Disorder are antidepressant medications.
Antidepressant medications that are commonly used to treat Binge Eating Disorder include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Your doctor will work with you to find the medication that is best for you.
How Can I Help Someone with Binge Eating Disorder?
If you think that someone you know may have Binge Eating Disorder, the best thing you can do is to encourage him or her to see a doctor or mental health professional. He or she can then be properly diagnosed and treated.
If you are struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, know that you are not alone. There is help available and recovery is possible. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.