WHEN YOU JUST CAN'T STOP EATING
We all stuff ourselves on too much food from time to time.
So what’s the difference between overeating and binge eating disorder?
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WHAT IS BINGE EATING DISORDER?
- Binge eating disorder isn't the same as occasional overeating
1. Plenty of people eat too much once in a while
2. Who hasn’t had a stomach ache after a huge Thanksgiving dinner or all those latkes
on Chanukah? - People with this eating disorder, though, feel compelled to do so on a regular basis at least once a week over a period of 3 months or longer
FEELING DISTRESSED
- People who have binge eating disorder feel they can't control how much or even what
they're eating - They often eat alone, until they feel sick, or when they’re not hungry
- Guilt, shame, disgust, or sadness comes after a binge
- People may feel so embarrassed about their behavior that they go out of their way to hide
it from friends & family
IT'S NOT LIKE BULIMIA
- Bulimia & binge eating disorder aren't the same, although they share some symptoms
- People with bulimia also regularly overeat & they may feel the same negative emotions,
such as a loss of control, shame, or guilt
1. The key difference is that people with bulimia "purge" afterward
2. They might make themselves vomit, use laxatives or diuretics, or exercise too much
3. Purging is not part of binge eating disorder
WHO IS AT RISK?
- Anyone can develop binge eating disorder, regardless of race, sex, age, or weight
- It’s believed to be the most common eating disorder in the U.S.
- Although women are slightly more likely to have it, men can also get it
1. More than 6 million Americans,2% of men & 3.5% of women,will have this condition at
some point in their lives
2. Men are more likely to have it in middle age
3. Among teens, 1.6% have binge eating disorder
HOW IT AFFECTS WEIGHT
- Many people who develop binge eating disorder also struggle with their weight
- Among people with the disorder, about 2/3rds are obese
- One study found that as many as 30% of people who seek weight-loss treatment may
also have it - People who are overweight or obese are also at risk for related health issues like heart
disease, high blood pressure & type 2 diabetes
IT'S ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
- Many people with binge eating disorder also have other emotional or mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder & substance abuse
- They may also feel stressed, have trouble sleeping & struggle with low self-esteem or body image shame
CAUSES OF BINGE EATING DISORDER
- Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes eating disorders
- A mix of factors, including a person's genes, psychology & background, may be involved
- Dieting can lead to binge eating disorder, but we don't know whether that alone can trigger it
- Some people may be extra sensitive to food cues, such as smells or images of food
- The disorder can also result from stressful or traumatic life events,
1. Death of a loved one
2. Being teased about weight
RECOVERY
- If you think you might have binge eating disorder, know that it can be successfully treated
- The first step is getting a diagnosis
- To do that, a doctor or other health professional will give you a physical exam & ask questions about your eating habits, emotional health, body image & feelings toward food
TREATMENT
- Talking with a psychiatrist or other counselor is key in working on emotional issues
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change the negative thought patterns that can spark binge eating
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) addresses relationship problems that may be involved
- It also helps to work with a nutritionist to learn healthy eating habits & keep a food diary as you're recovering
MEDICATION
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants & specific anti-seizure drugs that can help
control food cravings & urges to binge, may be useful when used along with counseling - Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), a medication used to treat ADHD, is the first drug to be
approved to treat binge eating disorder
1. It is not clear how the drug works
2. Studies have shown that Vyvanse is able to help reduce the number of binge days
per week.
LOSING WEIGHT
- Binge eating can lead to weight gain & make it tough to shed extra pounds & keep them
off for good - As part of their treatment, people with binge eating disorder may need help with that
1. Traditional weight loss programs may help, but some people struggle with strict diets
2. Ask your doctor whether you could benefit from a specialized weight-loss program for
people with eating disorders
PREVENTION
- If you're at risk for binge eating disorder, you can take action to avoid getting it
- Watch for feelings such as, guilt, shame, or being impulsive around food, or having low
self-esteem - If you have these kinds of issues, or if eating disorders run in your family, talk to a doctor
or a therapist.
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