Binge eating disorder is called binge eating in English and is a psychological disorder that belongs to the eating disorders. Binge eating is not the same as eating a little more every now and then, there are plenty of people who do this. People with this condition feel compelled to eat a lot of food in a short period of time at least once a week for at least three months. They no longer have control over how much and what they eat. They usually eat alone until they feel sick or are no longer hungry. Guilt, shame, disgust and sadness follow a binge. People can become so ashamed of their behavior that they avoid friends and family.
Symptoms
If you suffer from binge eating:
- You eat more than others would in the same situation
- It seems like you can’t control how much you eat
- Do you feel guilty after a binge?
- Do you binge eat at least once a week for at least three months?
People who have binge eating disorder try not to vomit after an attack. They may suffer from health problems related to weight gain or unhealthy eating. In addition, you may experience sleeping problems, muscle and joint pain and problems digesting food. In addition, menstruation in women can become irregular and may even occur.
Is bulimia the same as binge eating?
Bulimia and binge eating disorder are not the same. They do have some similar symptoms. Bulimia patients also regularly binge eat, and they often suffer from the same negative thoughts, feeling stressed, ashamed and guilty. The big difference between bulimia and binge eating disorders is that patients with bulimia want to cleanse themselves after such a binge to compensate for the weight gain. They can do this by vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics or exercising a lot. Patients with a binge eating disorder do not do this and are therefore more likely to be overweight, especially because unhealthy food is often chosen during binge eating. Binge eating occurs in approximately 160,000 women in the Netherlands, and 22,5000 women suffer from bulimia every year.
Implications
Many people who suffer from binge eating disorder also suffer from increased weight. This is because the binges often mainly consist of products with a lot of sugar and fat but few essential nutrients. About two-thirds of patients are obese, and 30% of people who want to lose weight appear to suffer from binge eating. People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Your metabolism, fat balance and hormone balance can become disrupted. It can lead to high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels. The lack of essential nutrients can cause respiratory infections and kidney failure. Part of the treatment consists of helping you lose weight and making a good diet. Unfortunately, many of these people have difficulty coping with strict diets.
Many people with binge eating disorders also have other emotional or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders or addictions. They feel stressed, have difficulty sleeping and often have reduced self-confidence and body image, you become depressed and also more irritable. You may also have less interest in sex because you are ashamed of your own body.
Cause
It is still unknown exactly how eating disorders arise and there is still a lot of discussion about it. It is clear that it is often a combination of factors that are jointly responsible. These factors can be genetic, psychological and they can depend on personal experiences. The social pressure to be thin can also contribute to the development of binge eating. Dieting can lead to the development of binge eating disorder, but it is unknown whether this in itself can cause the disorder. Some people are extra sensitive to things related to food, such as the smell or images of food. The condition can also be caused by stressful or traumatic events. Many people who suffer from this disorder have depressive symptoms or have suffered from this in the past.
Therapy
First, it is essential to admit to yourself that you have a problem. After that, it is important to seek help from a specialist. By talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist you can learn to deal with emotional problems. They can use cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on how you feel. This will help you make changes in your thoughts about eating and help you understand what triggers a binge. It can also be helpful to bring family members to therapy so they can understand the condition and how they can help and support you.
It can also help to see a dietitian and make a food diary, so that you can learn healthier eating habits and recognize eating patterns. You may need to receive medication for the other conditions that accompany binge eating disorder such as depression and anxiety disorders. For example, a doctor can prescribe antidepressants or anti-epileptic drugs, which can help prevent binge eating. There is also an option to register for a support group. It can help to talk to people who know what you are going through.
Cured
It is possible to recover from binge eating disorder. The first step to have the diagnosis made, this must be done by a doctor or another specialist. A physical examination is performed and questions are asked about your eating behavior, emotions, your body image and your feelings about food.
It is difficult to tackle this disorder on your own, so it is important to seek help when you are ready. Not only from professionals, but your environment can also be a great support. It is important not to feel ashamed.
