Most people overeat occasionally, especially during holidays or celebrations. This is not a sign of binge eating disorder. Binge eating becomes a disorder when it occurs regularly and the person begins to feel shame and a desire for secrecy about their eating habits. Unlike eating for pleasure, it stems from an unresolved emotional or mental health issue, or sometimes a medical condition.
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED), medically known as "Binge Eating Disorder", is a serious disease that can cause significant negative effects.Eating disorders It is the most common type among. It affects almost 2% of people worldwide but is under-recognized.
What is a binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a serious eating disorder that can lead to obesity and psychological problems. It is defined as a person consuming much more food than normal in a certain period of time. However, it may be misleading to explain this situation only as a satisfying feeling of hunger. We see that people who continue to binge eat often eat uncontrollably.
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
There are several factors that trigger this situation.
The first of these is psychological stress and emotional difficulties. When a person faces life's challenges, such as a troubled relationship, work stress, financial difficulties, or depression, they may tend to overeat in order to comfort or console themselves with food.
Another important factor is environmental factors. Especially being in an environment where food is constantly available and appealing can trigger binge eating disorder. At the same time, situations such as social interactions, celebrations, or group meals can also encourage overeating behavior.
Biological factors also play a role in the development of binge eating disorder. Changes in chemical balances in the brain can cause problems in controlling appetite. Additionally, hormonal irregularities can also affect a person's appetite and increase the tendency to overeat.
Finally, genetic inheritance can also be considered among the causes of binge eating disorder. People who have a family member with binge eating disorder are more likely than others to develop the disorder. Genetic factors may contribute to the development of this disorder by affecting a person's metabolic rate and appetite control.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled overeating and feelings of extreme shame and distress. It can usually occur at any age, but it begins in the late adolescence, that is, in the twenties. It is a chronic disease and can last for many years.
As with other eating disorders, it is more common in women than men. Binge eating means eating more than the normal amount of food in a relatively short period of time. In binge eating disorder, this behavior is accompanied by distress and lack of control. Symptoms of binge eating disorder are:
Uncontrolled eating spells
BED patients have difficulty controlling the process of consuming food. During bouts of uncontrolled eating, a person consumes large amounts of food quickly and is unable to stop.
eating secretly
People with binge eating disorder avoid eating in front of others and consume food secretly. This is a strategy to hide eating behaviors and reduce feelings of shame or guilt.
Overeating
BED patients consume food not to satisfy physical hunger or appetite, but to seek emotional satisfaction or relief. This manifests itself as a tendency to eat excessively and quickly.
Guilt and shame
BED patients experience feelings of guilt and shame after bouts of uncontrolled eating. This can result in low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
People with binge eating disorder often experience extreme tiredness and extreme unhappiness and distress about their body shape and weight. To be diagnosed with this disease, a person must overeat at least once a week for at least three months.
Another important feature of the disease is the absence of inappropriate compensatory behaviors.Bulimia nervosaContrary to binge eating disorder, the person with binge eating disorder does not engage in behaviors such as taking laxatives or vomiting to avoid gaining weight and trying to eliminate what they eat from the body during the eating episode.
How to Treat Binge Eating Disorder?
The methods used in the treatment of the disease are as follows:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of binge eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help reduce BED symptoms. In this form of therapy, a person is encouraged to understand the emotional and psychological factors behind eating habits, change thought patterns, and establish a healthy relationship.
Medication
There are some medications used to treat binge eating disorder. Antidepressants can help manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. However, medication may not be suitable for everyone and it is important to consult a specialist.
Nutrition Therapy
A healthy, balanced eating plan can help BED patients manage their symptoms. Nutritionists encourage healthy eating habits by creating a nutrition plan tailored to the individual.
Support Groups
Support groups for binge eating disorder treatment allow the person to share their experiences with other people. These groups can increase motivation and provide proper guidance.
Complications of Binge Eating Disorder
Nearly 50% of people with binge eating disorder are obese. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Other health risks associated with this eating disorder include sleep problems, chronic pain conditions, asthma, andirritable bowel syndrome .
In women, this situation, fertility problems, pregnancy complications andpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a risk of development.
People with binge eating disorder have difficulty being in social environments.
This eating disorder has serious effects on a person's health. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist or dietitian can create a treatment plan suitable for the person and guide him/her correctly.
Methods such as behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are used in treatment. These treatments help a person change their thought patterns and behaviors. It also focuses on developing healthier habits that can replace binge eating by offering alternative strategies for coping with emotional difficulties.
People living with binge eating disorder need a supportive environment. Family and friends should be with the person during the treatment process and motivate him. Their understanding and support plays an important role in combating binge eating disorder.
As a result;
Binge eating disorder is a problem that requires treatment. An appropriate treatment plan is necessary to manage and improve BED symptoms. A combination of psychotherapy, medication, nutritional therapy, and support groups can help BED patients cope in a healthy way. It is possible to overcome BED with a proper treatment plan and professional help.
