How does binge eating disorder compare to other eating disorders?
Binge eating disorder (BED) was only recently classified as its own distinct disorder and as such, research on the topic is still emerging. However, we do know that BED is different from other eating disorders in a few key ways. For one, BED is much more common, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 3.5% of American adults suffer from the disorder. What’s more, binge eating disorder is not gender-specific like anorexia and bulimia tend to be; in fact, men and women are affected by BED at equal rates.
Binge eating disorder is also characterized by different behaviors than other eating disorders. Specifically, those with BED regularly engage in binge eating episodes, during which they consume an excessive amount of food in a short period of time (usually less than two hours). These episodes are often accompanied by an intense feeling of loss of control. Unlike other eating disorders, however, sufferers of BED do not attempt to “compensate” for their binge eating through purging behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
The emotional Toll of BED can be just as severe as that of other eating disorders. Binge eating disorder is associated with a number of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Sufferers of BED often report feeling ashamed, disgusted, and hopeless. The physical consequences of the disorder can be just as damaging. Binge eating disorder is linked to obesity, which itself is associated with a host of health problems including heart disease, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
If you or someone you know is suffering from binge eating disorder, help is available. There are a number of treatment options that have been found to be effective in managing the disorder, including therapy, support groups, and medications.Site link
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) reports that Bing Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. BED affects 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents in the U.S.
While the primary symptom of BED is eating large amounts of food in a short period of time (bingeing), there are several other symptoms that are often associated with the disorder. These symptoms can include:
-Eating more quickly than normal during a binge
-Eating until you feel uncomfortably full
-Eating large amounts of food even when you’re not hungry
-Eating alone because you’re embarrassed about how much you’re eating
-Feeling disgusted with yourself, depressed, or very guilty after a binge
There are also several physical symptoms that can be associated with BED, such as:
-Weight gain
-Stomach pain
-Digestive issues
-Sore throat
-Sleep problems
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help. BED is a serious disorder that can lead to long-term health complications, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more.
There are several treatment options available for BED, and the best way to find out which one is right for you is to speak with a mental health professional. If you’re not sure where to start, you can reach out to NEDA for help.
We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about overcoming binge eating disorder. Site link.