What is binge eating? Binge eating is eating a large quantity of food very quickly and eating until you are uncomfortable. That might be an overly simplified definition of BED. But you need to understand binge eating symptoms and how to get help.
Here are some of the symptoms of BED (Binge eating disorder).
- Not following a scheduled eating plan.
- Eating alone whenever possible.
- Overeating when alone. Eating large quantities of food and have no control over the amount they eat.
- Continue to eat, even when full or stuffed, especially when no one is around.
- Usually feel very guilty and ashamed about the way they eat and the amount of food that they consume.
Those are a list of some of the binge eating symptoms to look for. If you think you or someone close to you may have a problem, you should seek professional help for yourself or them. Binge eating is by far the most common eating disorder in the United States. Some statistics to look for the severity of the disease are:
Mild: 1-3 episodes a week
Moderate: 4-7 episodes a week
Severe: 8-13 episodes a week
Extreme: 14 or more episodes a week.
If you have symptoms of binge eating, seek medical help, do not leave this condition untreated. New and useful information is coming to light continually to help individuals with BED. It should not be taken lightly, as it is a serious eating disorder.
This problem may be hard to detect in others, as it is very secretive, but if you have a loved one you may suspect has this problem, let them know you want to help.
Long Term Effects
Most of the long term effects are similar to the effects of obesity.
High blood pressure
high cholesterol
diabetes
heart problems
mental disorder
usually obese
The patient could also suffer from depression, very low-self-esteem and guilty feelings from the problems associated with this disorder. The patient will try to show normal eating habits when around others, but will hoard and hide food from others in the house and car.
They also suffer from a lack of control and tend to eat very fast and eat in secret.
This disease is difficult in that you can’t go “cold-turkey”. We all need to eat, not like a drug or alcohol which you can quit completely. We all have to eat to survive , but you need to develop a healthier relationship with food, in order to win this battle.
Your eating will have to be more nutritional, rather than emotional.
Treatment
The good news is there treatment available and recovery is possibly and the success rate is quite good.
In 1987 the American Psychiatric Association considered BED as part of the disease, bulimia, which is a disorder where the patient goes on binges and then purges the food.
In 2013, BED is now considered it’s own eating disorder by the APA. And it’s now recognized by many insurance companies, so you or a loved one can get the help that’s needed.
You need to see your health care provider for help with finding a source of help in dealing with this problem.
Remember there is help available and don’t be afraid to seek it.
Getting treatment for binge eating disorder is usually needed to overcome this problem. Don’t feel alone and helpless. Help is available. If you think you or someone close to you has a problem you need to get medical help. Medical help can make you feel better, give you a better understanding of the problem and assist you in getting control of your life.
Develop a healthy relationship with food
You will have to develop a different attitude about food.
You will have to stop thinking about food all the time.
Try to eat at set times every day. Don’t try to skip meals and don’t over eat. Eat slowly until you feel full. Don’t eat standing up or watching TV and putting your fork down between bites will help slow slowing down your eating.
Engage in other activities to divert your obsession with food.
Fitness dance zumba class
Take yoga classes, join a gym, start or join a walking group. Take up golf, swim, join a book club, there are many alternatives to keep you busy and doing something that you can learn to enjoy to take your mind off eating.
There are so many activities to take your mind off food. You will feel so positive when you exercise, you won’t want to undo all the good that you did.
If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible and thank-you, Deanna
