Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder, also known as “BED”, is a dangerous eating disorder evidenced by frequent bouts of consuming considerable amounts of food at one sitting. During a binge, sensations of losing control, feelings of shame, sadness, or remorse are common. There is often such fast consumption of food that it causes discomfort.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

While there is no rhyme or reason as to what causes binge eating, it is believed to be a coping mechanism for dealing with sorrow, stress or poor self-image. However, any person who experiences the heartache of Binge Eating Disorder knows that each time an attempt to control the syndrome fails, the cycle of degradation begins all over again. Other contributing factors to struggling with BED can be a lack of self-confidence, suffering from depression or having severe anxiety.

Those who battle with with Binge Eating Disorder are not alone, as it is the most common eating disorder reported in the U.S.

Binge eating is diagnosed by meeting formal criteria, which separates this eating disorder from what is otherwise known as “overeating.” These markers are identified by frequent and recurring episodes of binges. Specifically, an episode is defined by the following:

• Consuming a large amount of food in a short time, considerably more than what an average person would eat in a similar time period, in comparable situations.
• A disturbing lack of being able to control what or how much is consumed
• Eating faster than usual
• Eating to the point of discomfort
• Not feeling hungry but eating large amounts of food anyway
• Being alone when eating too much, due to embarrassment
• Feeling shame, self-loathing or guilt after a binge
• Significant distress when thoughts of binge eating come to mind
• Binges happen at least one time a week for 9 weeks
• Binge eating is not accompanied by anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or purging that are sometimes utilized to compensate for an intake of vast amounts of food

Adverse Health Effects and Treatment

BED has health risks that are similar to overeating, like Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Sleep Apnea. The presence of this disorder may severely impact one’s health in a negative way, but people with Binge Eating Disorder feel that they just cannot stop this behavior.

As powerless as someone who combats Binge Eating Disorder may feel, there are effective treatments which can help resolve underlying issues that are causing the binges. Psychotherapy, medication, nutrition counseling and family/group therapy have been proven to be fruitful methods of overcoming Binge Eating Disorder.

If you suffer from BED, The Bariatric Experts offers weight control and weight loss options that will aid in weight loss and help stop poor eating habits. But treating the root cause of Binge Eating Disorder is also recommended for the long-term success and mental health of the patient. Compulsive Eating, Emotional Eating, and other eating disorders can be caused by trauma or other situations in life. After the weight is lost, with proper nutrition coaching, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapy, it most likely will not return. The Bariatric Experts offers multiple levels of treatment options for our patients. If you believe that Binge Eating Disorder is the hidden cause behind your inability to lose weight, contact us today to find out how we can help you.