Photo from healthjade.net
Binge-eating disorder is a significant eating disorder in which you consume unusually large amounts of food on a regular basis and are unable to stop eating.
On occasion, almost everyone overeats, such as taking seconds or thirds of a holiday meal. Excessive overeating that feels out of control and becomes a regular occurrence, on the other hand, crosses the line into binge-eating disorder for certain people.
You may feel embarrassed about overeating if you have binge-eating disorder and resolve to stop. But you are so compelled that you are unable to resist the desires and continue binge eating. Treatment for binge eating disorder can be beneficial.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BINGE-EATING DISORDER?
The majority of persons with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, however you could be of normal weight. The following are behavioral and emotional indications and symptoms of binge eating disorder:
- Eating exceptionally enormous amounts of food in a short period of time, such as two hours
- Rapid eating during binge episodes
- Consuming food until you are uncomfortably full
- Eating alone or in secret on a regular basis
- Feeling like your eating habits are out of control
- Eating even if you're neither hungry or full
- Feeling down, disgusted, humiliated, guilty, or unhappy about your eating habits?
- Dieting frequently, potentially without weight loss
Unlike a bulimic, you do not regularly compensate for extra calories eaten by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising excessively after a binge. You can either diet or eat normally. However, limiting your diet may result in greater binge eating.
The frequency of bingeing episodes in a week determines the severity of binge-eating disorder.
Assisting a loved one who is suffering from symptoms
A person suffering from binge-eating disorder may become an expert at concealing their behavior, making it difficult for others to notice the problem. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from binge eating disorder, talk to them openly and honestly about your worries.
Encourage and support one another. Offer to assist your loved one in locating and scheduling an appointment with a certified medical care provider or mental health expert. You could even offer to accompany them.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BINGE-EATING DISORDER?
Binge eating disorder has no known causes. However, your risk is increased by genetics, biological variables, long-term diets, and psychological disorders.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACORS FOR BINGE-EATING DISORDER?
Women are more likely than men to suffer from binge eating disorder. Although binge-eating disorder can affect persons of any age, it is more common in their late teens or early twenties.
The following factors can enhance your chances of having binge eating disorder:
Family history: If your parents or siblings have (or have had) an eating disorder, you are considerably more likely to have one as well. This could imply that inherited genes enhance the likelihood of having an eating disorder.
Dieting: Many people who suffer from binge eating disorder have previously tried to lose weight. Dieting or calorie restriction during the day may increase the desire to binge eat, especially if you are depressed.
Psychological issues: Many persons who suffer from binge eating disorder have bad feelings about themselves, their abilities, and their accomplishments. Stress, a negative body image, and the availability of favourite binge foods can all be triggers for bingeing.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF BINGE-EATING DISORDER?
You may acquire psychological and physical issues as a result of binge eating.
Binge-eating disorder can lead to the following complications:
- Poor quality of life
- Functioning issues at work, in your personal life, or in social circumstances
- Isolation from others
- Obesity
- Obesity-related medical concerns include joint problems, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and various sleep-related respiratory abnormalities.
The following psychiatric conditions are frequently associated with binge-eating disorder:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse disorders
HOW IS BINGE-EATING DISORDER DIAGNOSED?
A psychological evaluation, including a discussion of your eating patterns, may be recommended by your medical care provider to diagnose binge-eating disorder.
Other tests may be ordered by your doctor to check for the health repercussions of binge eating disorder, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, GERD, and some sleep-related breathing disorders. Among these tests are:
- A physical examination
- Urine and blood tests
- A sleep disorder center consultation
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR BINGE-EATING DISORDER?
The goals of binge-eating disorder treatment are to reduce eating binges and promote healthy eating habits. Because binge eating is often associated with shame, low self-esteem, and other unpleasant emotions, treatment may address these as well as any underlying mental health disorders, such as depression. You can learn how to feel more in control of your food by seeking help for binge eating.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can educate you how to replace destructive habits with good ones and prevent bingeing episodes, whether in individual or group sessions. Psychotherapy examples include:
- Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT): CBT may assist you in better coping with difficulties that can provoke binge-eating episodes, such as negative body image or a low mood. It may also help you gain control of your behavior and regulate your eating patterns.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy: This sort of treatment focuses on your interpersonal relationships. The goal is to develop your interpersonal skills, which are how you interact with others, such as family, friends, and coworkers. This may assist to minimize binge eating caused by bad relationships and poor communication skills.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: This type of treatment can teach you behavioral skills to help you cope with stress, regulate your emotions, and enhance your relationships with others, all of which can lower your desire to binge eat.
Medications
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), an ADHD medication, is the first FDA-approved medication to treat moderate to severe binge-eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse, a stimulant, can be habit-forming and abused. Dry mouth and sleeplessness are common side effects, although more serious adverse effects can occur.
Several other types of medication may be used to alleviate symptoms. Here are several examples:
- Topiramate (Topamax), an anticonvulsant: Topiramate, which is typically used to manage seizures, has also been shown to lessen binge eating episodes. However, there are some adverse effects, such as dizziness, nervousness, tiredness, and difficulty concentrating, so talk to your doctor about the risks and advantages.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants may help with binge eating. It's unclear how these can help minimize binge eating, but it could be related to how they alter particular brain chemicals linked to mood.
While these drugs can help control binge eating episodes, they may not have much of an influence on weight loss.
Behavioral weight-loss programs
Many persons who suffer from binge eating disorder have previously failed to lose weight on their own. Weight-reduction programs, on the other hand, are normally not recommended until the binge-eating disorder has been treated, because dieting may provoke more binge-eating episodes, making weight loss less successful.
Weight-loss regimens are usually done under medical supervision to ensure that your dietary needs are addressed. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, weight-loss regimens that target binge triggers can be extremely beneficial.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BINGE-EATING DISORDER
In most cases, addressing binge eating disorder on your own is ineffective. However, in addition to professional assistance, you can reinforce your treatment plan by taking the following self-care steps:
- Maintain your treatment regimen: Don't miss any therapy appointments. If you have a food plan, try to stick to it as much as possible and don't allow setbacks disrupt your overall efforts.
- Dieting should be avoided unless it is monitored: Dieting can provoke further binge episodes, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to quit. Discuss proper weight management measures with your medical care provider – don't diet unless it's recommended for your eating disorder therapy and overseen by your medical care provider.
- Consume breakfast: Many people who suffer from binge eating disorder skip breakfast. However, having breakfast may make you less likely to consume higher calorie meals later in the day.
- Set up your surroundings: For certain people, the availability of specific foods might lead to binges. Keep enticing binge foods out of your home, or restrict your exposure to them as much as possible.
- Obtain the necessary nutrition: Just though you eat a lot during binges doesn't guarantee you're consuming foods that provide all of the needed nutrients. Consult your doctor to see if you need to change your diet to get enough vitamins and minerals.
- Stay connected: Don't distance yourself from loving family and friends who want to see you succeed. Recognize that they have your best interests in mind.
- Get active: Ask your doctor what form of physical activity is best for you, especially if you have health issues due to being overweight.
HOW CAN BINGE-EATING DISORDER BE PREVENTED?
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent binge eating disorder, if you are experiencing symptoms, get professional help. Your medical care provider can direct you to the appropriate resources.
If you suspect a friend or loved one has a binge-eating disorder, encourage healthier behavior and expert treatment before the issue escalates. If you have a child, you should:
- Encourage and encourage a positive body image regardless of body form or size.
- Discuss any concerns with your child's health care provider, who may be able to detect early signs of an eating disorder and assist in its prevention.