Binge eating disorders are common among young women and men looking to lose weight. With the proper treatment and therapy, binge eating disorders can be overcome.
As a whole, society has a difficult relationship with food. This is evidenced in the binge eating disorders which affect millions of people. While people with bulimia are perfect examples of binge eating, it is rare for people with binge eating disorders to purge (self-induced vomiting), use laxatives or diuretics.
Defining Binge Eating
Binge eating disorders are characterized by a certain set of guidelines as determined by medical professionals.
Binge eating disorder patients may:
- Eat quicker than others.
- Eat when they are not hungry
- Eat in privacy
- Eat large quantities of food in one sitting
- Have feelings of disgust, self-hate or guilt after eating
The Typical Binge Eater?
Many who have binge eating disorders are obese and they are also more likely to be women. But even though many obese people have troubles with binge eating, they may not have a disorder necessarily. They need to be associated with the aforementioned guidelines for an extended period of time to be properly diagnosed.
Complications of Binge Eating
With a binge eating disorder, patients can have troubles later in life, not just with their weight:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
Causes of Binge Eating Disorders
While the causes of binge eating disorders are still being studied, there does appear to be a clear correlation between depression and eating disorders. Those who have troubles with feelings of sadness can often turn to eating to help them feel better. But when they are done eating, they then feel worse, which triggers a new cycle of eating – a pattern which is difficult to break.
Some experts have also considered chemical imbalances to be higher in those with binge eating disorders.
Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorders
There are a few different treatment options being used to treat and help sufferers of binge eating disorder.
Before you can begin to seek treatment for binge eating disorders, you need to make your doctor aware of the issue. Medical intervention needs to occur first in order to assess your current health and whether you need other treatments before therapy can begin.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – teaches the sufferer to pay attention to their eating patterns and to change the ways in which they respond to negative situations and emotions.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy – helps individuals explore relationships with others in their life. Individuals can learn to make changes and improve areas in which they may be having problems.