| What is Binge-Eating Disorder? |
| Written by John Potter | |
Most people have heard of anorexia nervosa. But, what is a binge eating disorder? What causes people to avoid food like the plague and then eat everything in the refrigerator? It does not make sense. They are skinny as a rail, yet they can eat everything that is not nailed down-seemingly in one sitting. Obviously, this is not normal behavior. Are they physical ill? Are they crazy? Hopefully, this article will help readers have a better understanding of a very complex eating disorder.
Please ExplainAccording to the Mayo Clinic, binging is actually the most common eating disorder. One of the leading health care facilities in America, people come from all over the states to seek help, when the doctors at home are stumped. They have some of the finest minds in the medical community working on research, diagnosis and cures. They define binge-eating as: “overeating [that] becomes a regular occurrence, shrouded in shame and secrecy. It's called binge-eating disorder, a serious eating disorder in which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food.
Why Me?Like other eating disorders, binging has three potential sources. It may be biological, psychological, or cultural. People who have a family member with an eating disorder are more likely to have one. Some suggest it is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Others blame the disorder on psychological problems. Emotions have a lot to do with binging. But, then there is the environmental element. Peer pressure, the need to feel acceptance, social expectations to be skinny, low self-esteem, and more. In truth, the ‘why’ will need to be discovered, once help is sought. Counseling will have to be part of the binge eating treatment program. Sadly, binging can also be an outlet for sexual abuse, or some other traumatic event.What Now?If you or a loved has a problem with binge eating, seek help right away. Although you cannot force a loved one to go to the doctor, unless he/she is a minor child, you might be able to convince him/her to get help now. Like other eating disorders, binging does not go away on its own. In fact, it can progress to the point of taking diuretics to keep from gaining weight, or bulimia, when the person induces vomiting to get rid of the food and guilt.ComplicationsOver time, binge eating will cause other serious health concerns. Like other eating disorders, it can be life-threatening. In addition to diabetes, binging has the potential to cause one/a combination of Mayo Clinic’s list of complications:
Seeking HelpOnce binge eating has been acknowledged, help is available and should be sought as soon as possible. Since binge eating is a symptom of emotional issues, counseling is one of the first lines of defense. An individual may have private sessions or group meetings. Sometimes, it helps to know someone who is also in the struggle for their life. Part of the goal is to teach people how to deal with stress in a way that has nothing to do with food.Medications are also available. Usually, the doctor will prescribe an anti-depressant. However, it is important to be monitored closely. Some drugs will actually induce suicidal thoughts and behaviors-especially in teens. In short, binge eating is the most common of eating disorders. While it might be discovered in teens most of the time, adults are not immune, or maybe no one recognized the problem earlier. While the binge eating disorder will not go away, on its own, there are therapies and medications to help people learn to cope with healthy eating habits, so they can have a good quality of life. |
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