Binge Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating Treatment Information
Extreme overeating is known by a couple of terms, binge-eating and compulsive overeating, with the former probably used most frequently. What sets binge-eating apart from bulimia is that it is not preceded by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise.
It is important to note that this type of overeating should not be confused with the typical over indulging that occurs at a holiday like Thanksgiving or a celebratory event such as a birthday. In fact, for an actual diagnosis to exist, the behavior must occur at least twice a week for a period of at least six months.
Binge eating affects approximately 3-5% of US men and women. This disorder is defined by the uncontrolled consumption of a tremendous amount of food. This is not driven by genuine hunger. It is often motivated by psychological issues such as shame or guilt, fear of rejection, anxiety or depression.
Binge-eating is incredibly hard on the person. The bottom line is that the human body was never meant to hold that much food. The stomach is the size it is for a reason. Not only is it forced to accommodate so much food, but the entire body -- the pancreas, liver and intestines -- has to shift into high gear to process all of it. Over time, obesity usually results. The psychological ramifications of binge-eating are also severe. People are often embarrassed and ashamed of their behavior, which leads to a great deal of secrecy and social isolation.
Remember...There are two reasons to eat: nourishment and enjoyment. When food is used as a tool to meet emotional needs, problems often occur. If you find yourself relying on food to stave off loneliness or to quell anxiety or pain, please get professional help.
Discover more about this important topic by checking out the following articles.
Articles
Binge Eating Disorder Medical Complications
Today, a full 25-30% of Americans struggle with emotional eating. Emotional eating is when a person consumes food for other reasons than physiological hunger or participation in cultural events. People with emotional eating problems eat as a way to regulate unpleasant emotions. Emotional eating may include eating when not hungry, eating foods perceived as "forbidden", grazing, eating to soothe or forget feelings, and other emotional uses of food...Read More
Compulsive Overeating
Compulsive overeaters are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. With the eating disorder of Compulsive Overeating food is used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Many compulsive overeaters speak of using the episodes as a way to numb all that is going on around them. The amount of food eaten and duration can vary greatly. For many individuals suffering from Compulsive Overeating, binges may not be able to be broken into specific episodes but rather days where the individual eats more than normal throughout the day. Triggers for compulsive overeating include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction. Compulsive overeating may temporarily relieve the stress of these unwanted feelings, but for the individual the overeating episodes are unfortunately followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and further depression. For the Compulsive Overeater, episodes of Compulsive Overeating usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others. It is not uncommon for the individual to eat normally or even restrictively in front of others and then make up for eating less by overeating in private at a later time. Late at night, when others are asleep or frequenting fast food restaurants and convenience stores alone, can also be common. Many even have a secret stash of junk food hidden for their personal use. Similar to Anorexics and Bulimics, Compulsive Overeaters are constantly struggling and are unhappy with their weight. The number read on the scale often determines how they feel about themselves. Constant dieting and restricting food becomes a way of life. Each new diet is tried in hope that it will be the one that works to combat the overeating. At first, there may even be some weight loss success with the diet, but unfortunately in most cases each diet ends in failure and all the lost weight is regained. Thus continues the devastating cycle. Medical complications from the behavior accompanying this eating disorder can be severe and even life threatening. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems are just a few of the dangerous complications. Like eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia, Compulsive Overeating is a disease and cannot be cured with willpower alone. (Copyright © 2009 Rader Programs. All Rights Reserved.)
Resources
Compulsive Overeating/Binge Eating Disorder Hope Blog
~ Specifically for individuals seeking recovery from compulsive overeating and binge eating disorder. Find hope, inspiration, and recovery resources here!
Share your experiences with us: Become part of the free Compulsive Overeating & Binge Eating Disorder network of recovering friends.
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
The Binge Eating Disorder Association held its first national conference March 4th-6th, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. It was a spectacular success with fascinating presentations, excellent materials and invaluable information regarding binge eating disorder.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the March 30-April 2, 2011 conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Firesky Resort and Spa.
Binge Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating Treatment Resources & Information
BEDAdvocate: Chevese Turner writes this timely and news worthy blog. She is CEO and Founder of the Binge Eating Disorder Association, and a recovering binge eater.
Weight-control Information Network