Binge eating is a severe, life-threatening eating disorder that is the most common in the U.S. Binge eating comes in many forms whether it is eating large amounts of food quickly, losing control while binging, and experiencing shame and guilt afterwards. Many people eat quicker than others and keep eating until they are full. To avoid anyone staring at them for eating larger amounts than anyone, many with this disorder tend to eat alone. According to the NEDA, this disorder is common in 3.5% of women and 2% of men as well as three times more common than other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Binge eating disorder is a very dangerous disorder that comes from pent up emotions but can be easily treated with the right resources.
Those tend to binge eat when they cannot handle their emotions or if they want to take back control. Food is within their grasp and they control what goes in their mouths. Each food provides comfort as well as a reward. Food can also be used as a form of self-punishment from having a low self-esteem or having anxiety and using food as a distraction from problems. This disorder can be linked to depression or trauma from physical or emotional abuse. Binge eating can cause serious diseases such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Binge eaters can also have trouble sleeping, digestive problems, and muscle and joint pain. Women can experience irregular menstrual periods.
You know that you are addicted to binge eating if this action occurs 8-13 times a week or in extreme cases, 14 or more a week. NEDA says that 28.4% of people are receiving treatment. There are many forms of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on what you do, how you feel, and changes your thoughts of eating as well as identifying the triggers that caused this disorder.
The first FDA medication for binge eaters was lisdexamfetamine which is prescribed to suppress hunger as well as anti-depressants. A nutritional counselor can teach you about healthy eating habits. Family therapy can also be useful so that they will know about your disorder, the sources of your stress, and can better help support your recovery. Eating your feelings is not the way to confront them but to use your words and talk to someone about your struggles.
Smarmore Castle Private Clinic in County Louth, near Dublin was founded in 1988 as a residential rehabilitation hospital treating people suffering from drug and alcohol purposes. Smarmore Castle believes in helping patients lead a life of abstinence through 12 Step programs, detox and medical treatment, psychotherapy, and complementary therapies. For more information, please call 041-214-5111. For those who live out of the country, the international number is 00353-41-214-5111.
