An Overview of Binge Eating Disorder:
The most common eating disorder in the United States, Binge Eating Disorder is related to periods of eating large amounts of food called “binges”. During binges, the individual typically feels an uncontrollable desire to eat. After the binge, the individual may feel ashamed or guilty about their eating habits, however they do not take measures such as purging to combat the binge. Some criteria that constitute Binge Eating Disorder include “Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following: eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating),” according to the National Eating Disorder Association. Additionally, it is commonly associated with eating quickly, eating even when the individual is not hungry, and feeling embarrassed about eating, to name a few. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association expresses that women who have this disorder usually binge for 3 months at a weekly frequency. The Office on Women’s Health states, “Women with eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia, have a mental health condition that affects how they eat, and sometimes how they exercise. These eating disorders threaten their health.” As a result, it is critical to understand how such eating disorders develop and ways to prevent it or seek treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Although the causes are unclear, Binge Eating Disorder can be exacerbated by or initiated due to genetics, dieting, or mental health conditions. To elaborate, having a family history of eating disorders can increase an individual’s risk of developing one. While eating disorders such as Binge Eating Disorder can affect both males and females and individuals of all backgrounds, “Binge eating disorder affects more than 3% of women in the United States. More than half of people with binge eating disorder are women. [...] It is the most common eating disorder among Hispanic, Asian-American, and African-American women” In terms of dieting and food habits, often, individuals who excessively diet may be more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. In fact, the Office on Women’s Health writes, “Women and girls who diet often are 12 times more likely to binge eat than women and girls who do not diet.” Psychological issues such as negative self esteem, a poor body image, substance abuse, depression, and stress can also trigger an eating disorder. Some warning signs of Binge Eating Disorder, as listed by the national Eating Disorders Collaboration, are “Feeling tired and not sleeping well [,] feeling bloated, constipated, or developing intolerances to food [,] increased sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape, exercise [,] extreme body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and shame about their appearance [,] secretive behavior relating to food [and] erratic behavior [...].” The National Eating Disorder Association website contains a more extensive list of warning signs and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder, ranging from behavioral to physical characteristics.
Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder:
Binge Eating Disorder can lead to complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, gallbladder disease, cancers of the breast, endometrium, kidney, and pancreas, depression, bipolar disorder, osteoarthritis, and numerous other conditions. Many complications of this eating disorder are similar to obesity, although an individual does not need to be obese to be diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder. Besides physical and mental complications, Binge Eating disorder can lead to a worsened quality of life, social isolation, and interference with an individual’s personal, social, and professional life.
Therefore, understanding manners of prevention and treatment are key to living a healthier lifestyle. First, if an individual notices symptoms of any eating disorder, they should immediately see a doctor or get medical help if possible. Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder should talk to trusted friends or family members if they feel uncomfortable with getting treatment. Those with loved ones who are experiencing Binge Eating Disorder should ensure that the individual feels motivated and supported when seeking help. Moreover, a healthier mindset should be encouraged by helping break down pre existing notions of beauty standards, reinforcing a positive body image, and discussing any concerns as they arise. Often, treatment for Binge Eating Disorder may include interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive or dialectical behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and medications. It is also important to note that treatment can be extremely effective in many cases. To conclude, the individual should have a strong support system who is willing to help them get proper care.
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