What are the success rates for overcoming binge eating disorder?
It’s estimated that about 1.6% of American adults live with binge eating disorder (BED), according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). That’s about 3.1 million people.
While the numbers may not seem high, keep in mind that binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. And, like other eating disorders, BED can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life.
Fortunately, there is help available for those struggling with binge eating disorder, and the prognosis is good. With treatment, most people with BED are able to overcome their disorder and go on to lead happy, healthy lives.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating. During a binge, a person eats an excessive amount of food in a short period of time (usually less than two hours).
Binges are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. And, unlike other types of overeating, binges are not triggered by hunger.
Binge eating disorder is different from bulimia nervosa, another type of eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa also engage in binge eating, but they offset the calories consumed during a binge by purging (through vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise).
People with BED do not purge. As a result, they often gain weight, which can lead to obesity. And, like other eating disorders, BED can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life.
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
The exact cause of binge eating disorder is unknown. However, like other eating disorders, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
For example, some research suggests that people with BED are more likely to have a parent or close relative with an eating disorder. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
In addition, people with BED often have a history of dieting. Dieting is a common trigger for binge eating episodes. This is because restrictive diets can lead to feelings of deprivation, which can lead to binge eating.
Finally, people with BED often have a history of trauma or abuse. This is thought to be a result of the fact that people with BED often use food to cope with difficult emotions.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
The primary symptom of BED is engaging in recurrent episodes of binge eating. However, there are several other symptoms that are commonly associated with the disorder.
For example, people with BED often eat large amounts of food even when they are not hungry. They may also eat more rapidly than usual during a binge. And, they may eat until they are uncomfortably full.
In addition, people with BED often feel a loss of control during a binge. This means that they feel like they cannot stop eating even if they want to.
Finally, people with BED often feel guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed after a binge. This is because they know that their eating behaviors are not normal.
Impacts of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. For example, the disorder can lead to obesity and a number of associated health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
In addition, BED can lead to social isolation and relationship problems. This is because people with BED often feel ashamed of their disorder and may withdraw from social activities.
Finally, BED can lead to job problems. This is because the disorder can interfere with a person’s ability to concentrate and be productive at work.
Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
Fortunately, there is help available for those struggling with BED. The first step is to see a doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation.
This evaluation will help to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of BED. Once BED is diagnosed, treatment can begin.
The most common treatment for BED is a type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of therapy that helps people to identify and change problematic thought and behavior patterns.
CBT for BED typically focuses on helping people to control their eating behaviors and overcome their fears of certain foods. It also focuses on helping people to develop a healthier relationship with food.
In addition to CBT, people with BED may also benefit from medication. The most common type of medication used to treat BED is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
SSRIs are thought to be helpful for BED because they can help to reduce impulsive and emotional eating behaviors.
The good news is that treatment for BED is effective. With help, most people with BED are able to overcome their disorder and go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Click here for more info
What are the first steps for seeking help for binge eating disorder?
It’s not unusual to overeat on occasion. It’s estimated that most people overeat about once a week. But if you find that you’re binge eating more than that, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Binge eating disorder (BED) is a real and serious eating disorder. People with BED compulsively eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, even when they’re not hungry. They often feel ashamed, guilty, and out of control during and after a binge. If you think you might have BED, it’s important to seek help.
The first step is to talk to your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. They can do a screening to see if you meet the criteria for BED. They can also rule out other possible causes of your overeating, such as a thyroid condition or other medical problem. If you don’t have a doctor or mental health professional you can trust, there are other ways to get help. You can:
-Find a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders.
-Join a support group for people with eating disorders.
-Read self-help books or do research on the internet.
-Talk to a friend or family member who can provide support and understanding.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few resources that can help:
-The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has a list of treatment providers.
-The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) has a referral service.
-The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) has a provider finder.
Once you’ve found someone to talk to, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment. Many people find it helpful to write down their symptoms and when they occur. You may also want to keep a food diary to track your eating patterns. These things can be helpful for you and the person you’re seeing.
If you’re feeling unsure or scared about seeking help, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people have recovered from eating disorders, and there is help available.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.