How To Control Binge Eating

Lately with all the stress I've been accumulating, I turned all my attention to food to clear up my mind. This is a serious problem which dieters must face atleast one time in their life during dieting and yes, it has a name.

Binge eating also known as Compulsive Eating is a condition where a person has no control over his/her eating and so eats more than needed.


Characteristics of Binge Eating

A person with a binge eating problem usually shows the following characteristics:

• Periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food


• Eats an unusually large amount of food at one time -- more than a normal person would eat in the same amount of time.


• Eats much more quickly during binge episodes than during normal eating episodes.


• Eats until completely full.


• Eats large amounts of food even when they are not really hungry.


• Usually eats alone during binge eating episodes, in order to avoid discovery of the disorder


• Often eats alone during periods of normal eating, owing to feelings of embarrassment about food


• Feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty after binge eating.

Triggers of Binge Eating

The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Most binge eaters show signs of depression. Emotional cues such as anger, sadness, boredom, and anxiety can trigger binge eating. Impulsive behavior and certain other emotional problems can be more common in people with binge eating disorder. However, many people also claim that binging occurs regardless of their mood.

Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. While findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen binge eating in some people.


Effects of Binge Eating

People with binge eating disorder can get sick due to a lack of proper nutrition. Binging episodes usually include foods that are high in sugar and/or salt, but low in healthier nutrients.

People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may become very depressed.

People who are obese and also have binge eating disorder are at risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Most people with binge eating disorder have tried to control it on their own, but have not been able to control it for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat. Persons who are obese with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves and may avoid social gatherings.

Most people who binge eat, whether they are obese or not, feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they become so good at hiding it that even close friends and family members don't know they binge eat.


How to control Binge Eating

• People with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, should get help from a health professional including physicians, nutritionists, psychiatrist, psychologists, or clinical social workers for their eating behavior.



• Treatment with medications such as antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals.



• Also seek therapy sessions with like-minded people who suffer from binge eating. The type of treatment that is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the patient and his or her health care provider.



• A form of therapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits.



• If ever a binge period is overcoming you, keep these healthy snacks at hand.



• A weight loss program might be the best option for obese people.

Just keep in mind that Binge Eating is a "psychological problem" and thus, with motivation and support from your close ones, a cure is possible.


Reference:

MayoClinic - Binge Eating Disorder
AtHealth - Binge Eating Disorder
Wikipedia - Binge Eating Disorder