Binge Eating Disorder

We all overeat occasionally and feel awful because we have stuffed ourselves. Usually, we overeat because it is holiday time, we are at a special occasion like a birthday party or we are upset about something. However, if eating too much happens to you more than occasionally, you may have a binge eating disorder.


SYMPTOMS OF BINGE EATING DISORDER


If these symptoms occur more than occasionally, you may have binge eating disorder:


+Eating large amounts of food even if you are not hungry.


+Eating until you are either very uncomfortable or sick.


+Eating too much too quickly.


+Feel that your eating is out of control.


+Feel disgusted, guilty and/or depressed after bingeing.


If you suspect you have a binge eating disorder, you are not alone. It is the most common eating disorder in this country. The majority of people with this problem are overweight or obese. However, normal weight-range people can also be affected by this disorder.


It is estimated that there are over five million Americans who suffer from binge eating disorder. People who are severely obese are the most afflicted. It is also more common for women than for men.


There are a variety of factors that can cause binge eating disorder. For many of us, an episode of binge eating is brought on by excess anxiety, anger, boredom or grief. Many people who have binge eating disorder may suffer from chronic depression or other emotional problems.


WHAT CAN YOU DO?


If you think you are a binge eater, you should avoid unhealthy dieting practices as they can increase the urge to binge. Unhealthy dieting practices would be skipping meals, cutting back drastically on calories or limiting the kinds of foods you eat.


These are unhealthy and dangerous ways to try to lose weight and they do not work. If you are a binge eater and are obese, you should go on a healthy diet and exercise regimen to lose weight effectively and permanently.


If you find it difficult to stay on a healthy weight loss program and suffer from depression or other emotional problems, you may need to seek professional advice from your physician, a clinical social worker or a psychiatrist/psychologist who specializes in the eating disorder field. Sometimes it is necessary to ask for help.


DANGERS OF BINGE EATING DISORDER


Those with binge eating disorder are frequently ill because they eat large amounts of sugars and fats. These foods do not have the proper vitamins, minerals and nutrients that the body needs to function properly.


Eating disorders are also very dangerous to your health because they increase the risk of many chronic diseases and conditions. The more overweight you are, the more your risk increases for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.


If you suspect you suffer from binge eating disorder, it is vital that you know you are not alone. Some people who have the disorder are successful in controlling it themselves and some are not. Never be afraid to seek professional help. Most people do well in treatment and overcome binge eating.
 
 

1. Prev:Eat More, Weigh Less
2. Next:How to Burn Fat Naturally