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Binge Eating

All of us are guilty of overeating from time to time. We do it for different reasons - perhaps we enjoyed something so much we want a second helping or maybe because we find it impossible to resist high calorie 'treats' when we are stressed. Many simply see this overindulging as a fast way to pile on the pounds but do not realise that that it is a symptom of an extremely serious problem known as Bing Eating Disorder (BED).

Many people, who indulge in binge eating, notice the most obvious signs first - when their clothes become too tight. Often though too many people are unable to see how serious a problem binge eating is and the reasons why they are doing it.

There are a number of behavioural symptoms which indicate BED, these include the inability to control eating large amounts of food even when the person is not hungry or eating until they are uncomfortably full on a regular basis. It can also include binging on food followed by intense guilty feelings.

BED sufferers experience this process at least twice a week over a period of at least six months. BED can also be defined as persistent binge eating of large quantities of food over a short period of time. It is a loss of control over eating, similar to bulimia but without the subsequent vomiting, use of laxatives or strenuous exercise as compensation.

Experts estimate that up to 40% of obese American may have binge eating disorder although less is known about this disorder compared to anorexia and bulimia. It is also as widespread in other westernised countries.

Those Vulnerable to BED include

Those people who have a family or personal history of being obese or considerably obese as well as those people who continuously yo-yo diet. Disorder is more common in women than men although men are much more likely to suffer from Disorder than bulimia or anorexia.

Approximately 50% of women who suffer from Disorder also suffer from depression. Binge eating may therefore be emotionally caused creating a vicious circle as the sufferer experiences feelings of self disgust and guilt following a binge eating session. Some use binge eating as a response to tension, stress because they are unable to talk about something that is bothering them. It can also be used as a form of comfort.

There are effective ways to treat binge eating successfully such as cognitive behavioural therapy where people learn to change the way they respond to stressful situations or psychotherapy. Some patients benefit from medications such as antidepressants.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to beat bingeing. Cognitive-behavioural therapy - in which people learn to become aware of and change the way they respond to stressful situations - can be effective. So can psychotherapy. In some instances, medications, such as antidepressants, may help, too. If one's eating is out of control, the sufferer should realise that there is help available and reach out and take it.

Binge eating helps a person lose their self esteem; tackling and overcoming the problem can only have positive effects.