Banishing Binge Eating
Twice a week you gorge on French fries, burgers, or pizza. Especially pizza, eating an entire pie in one setting. You feel ashamed afterwards. You could be a binge eater.
Binge eating is eating well past the point of feeling full. Everyone overeats sometimes but binge eating goes beyond that. You are addicted to over eating.
Binge eaters tend to be overweight or obese, however, you can be a normal weight. Symptoms of binge eating include eating an unusually large amount of food in a specific time period. For example eating within a two hour period. You feel your eating is out of control or dominates your life. Eating even when you are not hungry. You eat rapidly during binge cycles. You eat when you are uncomfortable. Eating in secret or alone. Feeling ashamed about your eating habits. Frequently dieting without weight loss.
Unlike a person with bulimia who regularly vomits or uses laxatives to compensate for the extra calories, you eat to the point of no return. You may try dieting unsuccessfully. But dieting may lead to more binge eating.
The severity of the condition is dependent on how many times a week you engage in binge eating. Binge eating can vary in its course from short-lived to recurrent or may persist for years untreated.
It is important that you seek medical counseling regarding this disorder, or at the very least, talk to someone you trust. A person who binge eats is an expert at hiding behavior, making it harder for others to detect a problem.
If you know someone who may be binge eating, offer support and guidance as much as you can. And listen to what the person has to say.
Nailing down a cause for binge eating can be a difficult task because no one knows what causes it in a particular person. Genetics, biological factors, long term dieting and psychological issues may increase your risk for this disorder.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing binge eating disorder include family history (you are more likely to develop an eating disorder if either parent has one) and dieting (people with binge eating disorder have a history of dieting). And many people who have binge eating disorder feel negatively about themselves and their skills and accomplishments. Triggers for bingeing may include stress, poor body self-image and the availability of preferred binge foods.
You may develop psychological and physical issues related to binge eating. Some complications that might be caused by binge eating disorder may include problems functioning at work with your personal life or in social situations; social isolation; obesity; poor quality of life; and medical conditions related to obesity such as joint problems, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and some sleep related-breathing disorders.
Some psychological issues that can be related to binge eating are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
There is no way to prevent binge eating. But you can practice positive self image methods at home with your family and friends that may include reinforcing what constitutes a healthy body regardless of size or shape and discussing any concerns with a primary care physician that you may have.
To diagnose binge eating disorder, your doctor may recommend a psychological examination including discussion of your eating habits. Your health care provider may want you to undergo some tests to check for consequences of binge eating disorder such as high cholesterol, diabetes, GERD, high blood pressure, and some sleep related breathing disorders. As such, your doctor may recommend tests like a physical exam, blood and urine tests, and a sleep disorder center consultation.
Treatment for binge eating disorder involves having a healthy relationship with food. Because binge eating is tied to shame, poor self-image, and other negative emotions, treatment must address these and other mental health issues, such as depression. By getting the right help, you can be in charge of your eating choices.
Whether individual therapy or group therapy, psychotherapy can teach you how to exchange negative habits for positive ones and reduce bingeing episodes. Examples of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectic behavior therapy.
Some medications that might be useful for treating binge eating disorder are lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) but it can be habit-forming, topiramate (Topamax), an anticonvulsant and antidepressants.
Once treatment begins for binge eating, you can address the weight. Your doctor may suggest a behavioral weight loss program in order to lose weight in an effective manner. Weight loss programs that recognize binge triggers can be extremely helpful when you’re also getting cognitive therapy.
You can take several measures to reinforce your treatment like sticking to your plan that you and your doctor agree upon and avoid dieting. Eat three meals a day unless otherwise directed. Keep binge trigger foods out of your home. Ask your doctor about getting essential vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. Stay connected to your support system of family and friends. Also ask your doctor about the right exercise regimen for you.
It is important to remember that skinny doesn’t necessarily mean healthy and to accept yourself warts and all. Talk to a trusted family member or friend about the feelings you have regarding yourself and food. Find a support group of like-minded people who have gone through similar experiences if needed.
Binge eating doesn’t have to control your life. Find the help you need to build the right relationship with food and improve your physical and mental health at the same time. Increased self-esteem and body image comes with practice, not willpower.
