Have you ever overindulged at times, particularly on special occasions or holidays, and thought if you are binge eating?
No, binge eating disorder (BED) is a unique condition.
This involves…
Even though you’re already stuffed, you feel compelled to continue.
Even if you’re not hungry, you can eat a lot of food rapidly.
You’re embarrassed about it. You don’t try to throw up, use laxatives, or exercise excessively after a binge, unlike bulimia.
What else is there to know about binge eating? Read this post further.
Table of Contents
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
It is a condition in which people may consume a large amount of food in a short period of time, even if they aren’t hungry. Emotional tension or distress frequently plays a role and might lead to binge eating.
What is more? During a binge, a person may feel relieved or relieved, but afterward, they may feel ashamed or lose control.
How to Know If You’ve Binge Eating Disorder? Symptoms to Look for
Three or more of the following symptoms must be present for a healthcare provider to diagnose BED:
- Eating considerably faster than usual
- Uncomfortably full eating enormous amounts without feeling hungry
- Eating alone owing to humiliation and shame
- Feelings of disgust with oneself
Also, people with BED frequently feel extremely unhappy and distressed about their eating habits, body shape, and weight.
The frequency of bingeing events during a week determines the severity of binge-eating disorder.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The causes of BED remain unknown. But it is thought to be caused by a number of risk factors, including:
Genetics – Research studies provide strong evidence that BED is inherited.
Gender – Binge eating is more common in women than men.
Changes in the brain – Patients with BED may have structural alterations in their brains that cause increased sensitivity to eating and a loss of self-control.
Obesity – Nearly half of the people with BED are obese. Weight issues can be both a cause and a symptom of a disorder.
Body image – BED patients frequently have a pessimistic perception of themselves. Body dissatisfaction, dieting, and overeating all play a role in the disorder’s development.
Stress – Abuse, mortality, being separated from a family member, or being in a car accident are all stressful events that contribute to BED.
Psychological conditions – Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, phobias, etc are some other psychological disorders that may also lead to BED.
When to See A Doctor?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a binge eating disorder, visit a doctor right away. Binge-eating disorders can range in duration from brief to recurrent, and if left untreated, they can last for years.
You can discuss your binge-eating symptoms and sentiments with the best doctors to treat eating disorders near you. You can make an appointment via Healthwire.pk or call at 042 32500989.
The doctor will suggest treatment options that can help you come out of it.
Are Eating Disorders Curable? Treatment Options for BED
Are eating disorders curable? How can I stop myself from binge eating?
Well, as mentioned above speaking with a medical expert is the first step toward overcoming binge eating. This individual can assist with diagnosis, determining the severity of the disease, and recommending the best treatment option.
Some of the treatment options that your doctor may recommend are mentioned below:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
To treat BED, doctors may employ a technique known as cognitive behavior therapy. It focuses on your actions and feelings. It can assist you in changing your eating habits and determining what causes your binges.
Medications for Binge Eating Disorder
Dr. Muhammad Imran Sharif, a well-known psychiatrist with eight years of experience, recommends drugs like lisdexamfetamine to reduce the desire to binge eat. It is the first FDA-approved medication for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating by preventing binge eating episodes.
Involvement of Your Loved Ones
Your therapist may recommend that you include your family in therapy so that they can learn about the disease, identify stressors at home, and provide support.
According to the best therapists from hospitals in Lahore, the importance of family support in treatment success is critical. It is essential that they learn and recognize the signs and symptoms of an eating issue.
Management of Risk Factors
You may also require assistance with other issues such as sadness or anxiety. An antidepressant, a medicine to assist regulate the urge to binge, or other medications may be prescribed by a doctor.
Get to know about natural antidepressant foods.
How Can You Take Care of Yourself?
Apart from medical treatment options, there are some additional strategies that can help you with the condition.
These are:
Maintain a diet and mood journal. Identify and pen down personal triggers of binge eating.
Practice being mindful. This can help you become more aware of your binge triggers while also improving self-control and self-acceptance.
Find someone with whom you can converse. Support is essential, whether it comes from a partner, family, a friend, binge eating support groups, or online.
Make healthy dietary choices. A protein-rich diet and healthy fats, as well as regular meals and whole foods, will assist to satisfy hunger and deliver essential nutrients.
Start working out. Exercise can help you lose weight, improve your body image, decrease anxiety symptoms, and improve your mood.
Get plenty of rest. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased calorie intake and unpredictable eating patterns. At least 7–8 hours of excellent sleep per night is advised.
The Bottom Line!
Binge eating disorder is a prevalent feeding and eating disorder that can have major health consequences if left untreated.
It’s characterised by episodes of binge eating that are uncontrollable and often followed by feelings of shame and guilt. It can harm your overall health, body weight, self-esteem, and mental well-being.
Treatment for BED including cognitive behavioural therapy is fortunately highly successful. There are also numerous healthy lifestyle practices that can be implemented in daily life.
