Why binge eating happens and how to stop it
It’s not unusual to overeat on occasion. In fact, most people do it from time to time. Maybe you eat too much at a holiday meal or indulge in one too many cookies. But for some people, overeating is a regular occurrence. It may even become a regular pattern, occurring several times a week or more. If you regularly overeat, especially if you do so to the point of discomfort, you may have binge eating disorder (BED).
Binge eating disorder is a real and serious eating disorder that can have far-reaching consequences if left untreated. It’s the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting about 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents. And while it’s often thought of as a problem that only affects young women, binge eating disorder does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age, gender, race, or weight.
So, what is binge eating disorder? Put simply, it’s recurrent episodes of overeating. But there’s more to it than that. To be diagnosed with BED, you must also meet at least two of the following criteria:
Eating much more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances
A feeling of being out of control during the episode of overeating
Eating even when you’re not hungry
Eating to the point of discomfort or pain
Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty after overeating
Binge eating disorder is different from other eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, in that it does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging (self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, etc.) or excessive exercise. People with BED often eat in secret and feel ashamed of their behavior. As a result, they are often overweight or obese.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of BED. These include:
Biological factors: There’s some evidence to suggest a link between binge eating disorder and certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Psychological factors: People with BED often have a history of dieting. They may also have low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.
Environmental factors: Exposure to stress or chaotic environments (such as childhood abuse or neglect) may contribute to the development of BED.
Cultural factors: The unrealistic body standards set by the media may play a role in the development of BED.
Binge eating disorder can have serious consequences if left untreated. These include obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and gastrointestinal problems. People with BED are also at a higher risk for suicide.
Fortunately, binge eating disorder is treatable. A combination of therapy and medication is often used to treat BED. Therapy can help you identify the underlying causes of your binge eating and provide you with tools to cope with triggers and cope with negative emotions. Medication can help regulate your mood and appetite.
If you think you may have binge eating disorder, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you get the treatment you need to recover..Original Article
How to change your relationship with food
When it comes to food, we all have a love-hate relationship. Some of us love food and hate our bodies, some of us love our bodies and hate food. But no matter where you stand, food is a part of your life and changing your relationship with it can be difficult.
Here are some tips on how to change your relationship with food:
1. Learn to cook
One of the best ways to change your relationship with food is to learn to cook. When you cook your own meals, you have control over what goes into them and how they are prepared. This can help you to eat healthier and feel better about the food you are putting into your body.
2. Avoid emotional eating
Emotional eating is when you eat in response to your emotions, rather than hunger. This can be a difficult habit to break, but it is important to recognise emotional eating and try to avoid it. When you find yourself emotional eating, ask yourself if you are really hungry or if you are just eating for comfort.
3. Make time for meals
Another way to change your relationship with food is to make time for meals. When you skip meals or eat on the go, you are more likely to make unhealthy choices and overeat. Make sure to sit down for meals and take the time to enjoy your food.
4. Be mindful of your eating
Mindful eating is becoming more and more popular as a way to change your relationship with food. It involves being aware of your eating habits and being present while you eat. This means no distractions, such as TV or phones, and really paying attention to the food you are eating. This can help you to eat less and enjoy your food more.
5. Seek professional help
If you are struggling to change your relationship with food, you may want to seek professional help. This can be in the form of a therapist, dietitian, or even a support group. These professionals can help you to understand your eating habits and make changes in a way that is best for you.
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