Binge Eating Disorder

4/7/2021

More than an occasional overindulgence, binge eating signals an unhealthy obsession with food. Thankfully, out-of- control eating can be beaten.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting approximately one in 35 American adults. Approximately 60 percent of BED patients are female. In women, BED tends to start in early adulthood, while in men the disorder most often first appears in midlife. Most of us overeat from time to time, but people with BED feel compelled to do so and believe they have no control over their eating habits. BED often begins when people comfort themselves with food when stressed, sad, lonely or bored. Unfortunately, an episode of binge eating brings on feelings of guilt, shame and self-disgust. The worse a binge eater feels, the more food she consumes to cope with the negative emotions, and the cycle of unhealthy eating becomes ingrained.

Symptoms of BED

During an episode of binge eating, someone with BED loses control and feels powerless to stop. People with BED may:

• Consume large amounts of food even when not hungry.
• Be unable to stop eating until uncomfortably full.
• Eat until an entire package of food is finished, without being aware of how much was consumed.
• Experience strong feelings of disgust or guilt about the inability to control eating behaviors.
• Hide food or lie about how much food has been eaten.
• Eat in secret due to shame or embarrassment.

BED’s Effect on Health

Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve extreme attempts to control weight gain. As a result, most people with BED become obese, placing themselves at increased risk of health problems associated with obesity, including excess stress on the skeletal system, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. People with BED frequently also experience symptoms of anxiety or depression.

How You Can Help

People with BED tend to overeat quickly and in private, so it can be difficult to know if a loved one is affected. Be watchful for more subtle signs, such as:

• Large amounts of food missing from cupboards and refrigerators.
• Finding hidden stashes of food or piles of empty wrappers.
• The person becoming defensive or angry when discussing food or eating patterns.

The good news is, BED can be treated successfully. Treatment may consist of medication, a medically supervised program of balanced diet and exercise and, in some cases, psychotherapy to address any underlying emotional issues.

To speak to our Weight Loss Program coordinator and to learn about healthy ways to control weight call (219) 402-5057.

This wellness information is provided by your friends at Northwest Health.

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