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
Biology, Not Just Society, May Increase Risk of Binge Eating During Puberty
National Institute of Mental Health, Science News from 2011
Biological changes associated with puberty may influence the development of binge eating and related eating disorders, according to a recent study on female rats conducted by NIMH-funded researchers. After puberty, the rats showed binge eating patterns that resemble those in humans, supporting the role of biological factors, since rats do not experience pressures to be thin or other psychosocial risk factors commonly associated with human eating disorders. The study was published online ahead of print on May 16, 2011, in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology...Read More
Disordered Eating of Another Kind
By Kimberly Dennis, M.D.
Medical Director of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
I am sure most of us at one time or another has felt guilty for going back for a second or third serving of food, whether or not we are still hungry. During a holiday party or special occasion, it's common to "overindulge." It is probably the most socially-sanctioned way to escape or medicate the tensions that arise during hectic holiday times at family gatherings. It also happens to be one of the least acknowledged ways to stuff intense emotions that might otherwise surface in such settings. This speaks to the depth of denial that we have on a societal level about how people "use" food—the same denial that exists as a major symptom in other addictions to a lesser extent...Read More
Binge Eating Disorder: What You Need to Know
Binge eating is a serious disorder that affects 3-5% of American men and women. Binge eating involves consuming a great deal of food, in an uncontrolled and/or rapid manner, and eating beyond the point of fullness...Read More
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!
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder and its associated conditions (compulsive overeating, emotional eating, night eating syndrome, and food addiction). BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, excellence in care, and recovery through outreach and support, education, and resources.
Attend BEDA's national conference - Revolution Ahead:
Illuminating the Path to Freedom from BED, Emotional Overeating & Weight Bias. Held at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing. Philadelphia, PA. March 2-4, 2012.
Binge Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating Treatment Resources & Information Links
Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
Phone: 847-498-4274
American Psychological Association
Phone: 800-374-2721
National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
Phone: 866-615-8431
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Phone: 800-931-2237
The Obesity Society
Phone: 301-563-6526
Weight-control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
Phone: 877-946-4627
Eating Disorder Treatment Referrals: Nationwide list of treatment centers, therapists and nutritionists who specialize in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Events
Binge Eating Disorders
The Next Generation of Research
| What: | A wide-ranging and forward-thinking discussion of research directions for the field of binge eating disorder by reknown experts in eating disorders, obesity and addiction |
| When: | Thursday, April 19, 2012, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Where: | Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD |
| Cost: | Free* |
Registration will close on March 30th.
Travel scholarship funding available for trainees interested in pursuing a research career in binge eating disorders, obesity and/or addictions. Eligibility requirements: advanced graduate student (in at least 3rd year of training), medical resident, post-doctoral fellow, or researcher within three years of receiving MD or PhD. Trainees from under-represented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter of interest, CV, and one letter of recommendation to: BEDworkshopR13@gmail.com. Applications for fellowships are due January 15, 2012.
For more information, go to BEDWorkshop2012.org or email BEDworkshopR13@gmail.com
*This workshop is being funded by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Heath (1R13MH094127-01)
