Binge Eating Disorders

Binge Eating Disorders

Many people eat more than what is acceptable occasionally, but if this turns into a habit that spirals out of control, then you may be one of millions of people suffering from a binge eating disorder.

Binge Eating Disorders Defined

Binge eating is a compulsive disorder characterized by overeating to cope with issues related to emotional problems, stress, dislike of ones own body, and a feeling of being out of control and unable to stop the cycle. It's cycle is often done by many episodes of binge eating for short periods of time, immediately followed by a feeling of distress or shame after binging. The additional guilt that binge eaters feel is related to their inability to handle their self-control. 

Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eaters typically eat even though they are full, consuming large amounts of food without stopping. They are prone to hiding food to eat at later times in secret, while eating normal amounts of food around others. Also, binge eaters tend to eat continuously throughout the day, with unscheduled mealtimes. The emotional ties that come with binge eating include embarrassment over the amount of food consumed, numbness while eating, feeling disgusted after eating, and an acute desperation to control weight and eating. Some symptoms of binge eating are present in bulimia nervosa as well.

Diagnosing Binge Eating Disorders

In order for a physicians to diagnosis and treat binge eating disorders a thorough exam is conducted including a series of questions might be asked their patients. The more answers that are yes, the more likely that they are binge eaters.

The questions include:

Do you feel a lack of control when you're eating?
Do you eat in secluded places?
Do you eat until you are physically sick?
Do you feel shame after eating more than what is considered normal?

These are just some of the questions doctors use to determine the status of a potential binge eater that requires treatment.

Risk Factors Of Binge Eating Disorders

There are several risk factors associated with binge eating. Some of the most noted are dissatisfaction with body shape, yo-yo dieting, hypersensitivity, low self-esteem, more instances of sexual abuse, and pregnancy, particularly teen pregnancy. These are some of the factors that have been researched and linked to binge eating disorders. Additionally, those from lower socio-economic class are more likely to be binge-eaters than those from higher income families.

Treatment For Binge Eating Disorders

There are variety of ways in which to treat binge eating disorders. Physiological evaluation and therapy are the first steps in treatment.  Its important to find the root of the problem to begin the healing process. When professional help is sought, the likely professionals that are called upon include psychiatrists, nutritionists, obesity specialists, therapists, and eating disorder specialists. All or a combination of these professionals are trained in evaluating and treating binge eating disorders and find a solution to underlying contributing factors.

Medications For Binge Eating Disorders

Although medications are sometimes used in conjunction with binge eating disorder and can be helpful in treating patients, they are not a cure for the disorder, but are usually part of a treatment plan that includes counseling, group support, diet regimens, and self-help techniques. Appetite suppressant may reduce the urge to overeat and increase weight loss. Antidepressants also may help binge eaters overcome a sense of loss and depression that is associated with the drug and decrease the tendency to overeat.

Recovery From Binge Eating Disorders

Recovering from binge eating will happen with the right treatment and support system, a binge eating disorder can be successfully treated. There are a few therapy options used for this disorder. They include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. The specifics of these forms of therapy can be explained in depth by a reputable physician or specialist in binge disorders.

Prevention Of Binge Eating Disorders

To prevent binge disorders, changes in diet and attitude about food are the cornerstones to treatment. Some steps in the right direction include maintaining a food diary to take daily caloric intake and the moods associated while eating. Avoiding foods rich in sugar can elevate energy levels throughout the day, eating smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to large meals and cutting alcohol and caffeine are all ways in which binge eaters can alter their diet for better health.