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Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most prevalent of all eating disorders in the US. The two main symptoms of this condition are eating a lot of food quickly and experiencing a loss of control while bingeing. Both the brain and body are both impacted by binge eating disorders, which is a complicated issue.
Overeating is fundamentally triggered by unfavorable thoughts and behaviors. This is an issue with psychological well-being. Eating excessively on a regular basis might result in weight gain and other physical (or health) issues.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Many of us find solace in eating. During exceptional occasions, the majority of people also tend to consume far more than they usually do. A person who suffers from a binge eating disorder, however, has a distinct relationship with food. They feel as though they have no power over how much they eat and that they are unable to quit, even when they are uncomfortably full. They also binge for several months, at least once every week.
Food may provide emotions of comfort or relaxation, or it may help people with binge eating disorders avoid feeling unhappy. Yet, the effects of a binge can be reversed, resulting in anxiety, guilt, and suffering. Obese folks binge eat frequently. But even those who are at a healthy body weight might suffer from binge eating disorders.
Binge eaters frequently feel melancholy and are unhappy with their weight. They may experience emotions like guilt, shame, anxiety, and despair, which are frequent in many eating disorders. Due to binge eating issues or changes to their body shape and weight, they might avoid going to school, working, or hanging out with friends.
Parents may first notice a problem when a lot of food disappears from the cupboard or refrigerator when children or teenagers binge consume. Another eating disorder, bulimia, is distinct from binge eating. Bulimics gorge and then purge, use laxatives, or overwork themselves to lose weight in an effort to make up for it.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
There is no known cause of binge eating disorder. Yet, a number of things make BED more likely to occur.
1) Genetics
If someone in your family currently has or has ever had an eating disorder, you are more likely to experience one yourself. According to a twin study, binge eating and obesity are both inherited diseases. The researchers claim that there is only a small or significant genetic component to binge eating.
2) Mental Health Conditions
Depression and personality issues are associated with BED. Many BED sufferers have unfavorable body and self-image feelings. They could even feel unsatisfied with their abilities and successes.
3) Emotional Difficulties
A person with a binge eating disorder has trouble managing their emotions. According to many who struggle, feelings of stress, rage, boredom, and concern can trigger binges. Following a bingeing event, someone may feel worthless, depressed, or ashamed, which may lead them to binge again. The cycle may continue forever.
4) Dietary History
Many BED sufferers have been dieting consistently since they were young. Binge episodes frequently come before periods of calorie reduction or dietary restriction.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
The most effective treatment for binge disorders is a multidisciplinary approach involving a doctor, dietician, and therapist. Talk therapy, medical care, and nutrition advice are all included in the treatment (individual, group, and family therapy). Doctors can recommend medications to address mental health issues like anxiety or depression that are related to binge eating.
Since they feel embarrassed about overeating or of being overweight, binge eaters may find it difficult to get treatment. Many teenagers who binge eat wait until they are older before seeking assistance. Yet, seeking help sooner increases the likelihood that a person won't develop weight-related health issues.
Since your brain's functioning is what causes binge eating, therapy focuses on mental health, not weight loss. In the course of treatment, you will be urged to never, ever diet. Dieting can make you want to binge, even when you feel better. Dietitians and medical professionals who address binge eating disorders don't advise patients on how to eat to lose weight because of this.
Gaining weight is a symptom of a binge eating problem, not its root cause. Thus, the major objective of therapy-based treatment is to identify the cause of your bingeing before replacing negative emotions and cognitive patterns with constructive ones. This might enable you to recover.
Consult your doctors to choose the best course of therapy for you. A version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used by most types. This teaches you how to recognize the negative ideas that trigger bingeing. It then teaches you how to switch out those negative thoughts for positive, grounded ones.
If you have a binge eating disorder, you shouldn't feel ashamed of it. Many people battle eating disorders and overcome them. Contact your doctor for guidance if you think you are struggling. Doctors can make recommendations for mental health specialists who have dealt with eating issues.
By setting a positive example with your attitude towards food and exercise, you can encourage people to eat healthier. You can overcome binge eating disorder if you stop using food as a motivator.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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