Binge Eating Disorders

People suffering from Binge Eating Disorder have a combination of symptom that is sufferer periodically goes on large binges, consuming an unusually large quantity of food in a short period of time (within 2 hours) eating until they are uncomfortable. Weight is usually average or in some cases slightly overweight. People suffering from Binge disorder find it difficult to loose weight. They do not purge or vomit after eating episode as in Bulimia.

Causes of Binge eating Disorder:

1. Depression: Up to half of all people with binge eating disorder have a history of depression;
2. Dieting: Chronic dieting may lead to bad eating habits.
3. Coping skills: Many report that anger; sad ness, boredom, worry, or stress leads to trigger a binge episode.
4. Biological: Research indicates metabolism and hormones or enzymes may cause binge attack

Symptoms:

1. Recurrent attacks of binge eating- eating in a short period of time a huge amount of food or a serving, which normally people will not consume.
2. Lack of control -Feeling that one does not have control over eating.
3. Distressed after binge attack.
4. Attacks of binge eating often occur twice at least every week.
5. Eats very rapidly while eating.
6. Eating alone is embarrassed of huge diet.
7. Feeling guilty after binge attack.
8. No compensatory behavior (such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise) after bingeing.

Complications;

Medical:
A person suffering from Binge Eating Disorder is at Health risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, kidney disorder, and arthritis and bone deterioration.

Psychological:
1) Depression leading to self-harm or suicide.
2) Feeling of helplessness.
3) Anxiety
4) Guilt or shame
5) Feeling of alienation or loneliness
6) Absenteeism at work and school;
7) Preoccupation with appearance Strain on relationships with family and friends
9) Low self esteem
10) Low energy
11) Avoidance of social gatherings

Treatment: Treatment options for binge eating disorder include Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Medicine.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
1) It involves changing responses to stressful situations, and learning to cope with situation rather than use food as a first resort.
2) Helps in changing self-perception about body shape and weight.

Interpersonal psychotherapy
1. Focuses on improving relationships with family and friends
Anti-depressants: Drugs to help alleviate sadness and despair,
Self-help groups: People suffering from same problems come together and help to overcome the problem by sharing experiences.

Recommended Reading

1. Information on Eating Disorders- Eating Disorders- Did You Know?
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2. Teenagers and Binge Eating Disorder
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4. Bulimia eating disorders
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5. Eating Disorders Treatment- Finding Ways of Healthy Eating!
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