What are the most effective treatments for binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Binge eating disorder is a relatively new diagnosis, and as such, there is not a great deal of research on the most effective treatments. However, the treatments that have been found to be most effective are a combination of medication and psychological therapy.
The most commonly prescribed medications for binge eating disorder are antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Antidepressants can help to regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain that is thought to be at the root of binge eating disorder. In addition, psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be extremely helpful in treating binge eating disorder. CBT can help patients to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that lead to binge eating.
In addition to medication and psychological therapy, there are a number of other treatments that can be helpful for binge eating disorder. These include: lifestyle changes, such as eating regular meals and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol;Nutritional counseling, to help patients make better food choices and develop healthier eating habits; and Exercise, which can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Binge eating disorder is a serious condition that can lead to serious health consequences, such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes..Click here for info
What are the risks of not overcoming binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. A binge is defined as eating an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time (e.g., within 2 hours), and feeling a lack of control over eating during the episode. Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following: eating much more rapidly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food even when not feeling physically hungry; eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating; and feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. An estimated 3.5% of women, 2.0% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents meet the criteria for BED in their lifetime. While the prevalence of BED is similar across racial and ethnic groups, certain cultural factors may play a role in the development and maintaining of the disorder. For example, dieting and thinking about dieting are much more prevalent in Western cultures than in others, and these behaviors may increase one’s risk for developing BED.
The immediate consequences of binge eating episodes can be negative both physically and emotionally. Physically, binge eating can lead to obesity and all of the associated health risks, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Emotionally, binge eating can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. Binge eating disorder can also lead to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
If left untreated, binge eating disorder can have serious and even life-threatening consequences. Obesity, for example, can shorten one’s life expectancy by as much as 10 years. In addition, people with eating disorders have a higher risk for suicide than the general population. It is estimated that as many as 5% of people with eating disorders die by suicide.
Given the potentially serious consequences of binge eating disorder, it is important to seek treatment if you or someone you know is affected by the disorder. Treatment typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and/or medication. If you are suffering from binge eating disorder, know that you are not alone and there is help available.
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