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Binge eating disorder is one of the newest
eating disorders and the most common in the United States. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. Fortunately, it is also a treatable disorder. Let’s dive into what binge eating disorder is, how to identify it, ways to manage it and when to seek help.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Overeating vs. binge eating
Overeating occurs when foods and beverages are consumed to the point of being "too full" and is something individuals commonly experience at holidays or on special occasions. Reasons one may overeat could be going too long without eating, stress or simply great-tasting food. While overeaters may experience feelings of regret and slight discomfort afterwards, they are still in control of their choices. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food very quickly and to the point of discomfort, often with a lack of control. These episodes may be followed by feelings of shame or guilt.
Potential signs and symptoms of binge eating
- Appears uncomfortable or experiences fear when eating around others or in public and may prefer eating alone.
- Any new practice with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups.
- Steals or hoards food in non-typical places.
- Creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge sessions and may withdraw from usual friends and activities.
- Shows extreme concern with body weight and shape. May frequently check in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance.
- Feelings of low self-esteem.
Potential causes of binge eating disorder
Genes and family
Research show that certain genes affecting eating behavior may be passed down through families. Therefore, if a parent or grandparent experienced binge eating disorder, the next generation may be more susceptible. Children learn and form habits from the individuals around them. If one has watched a parent or sibling overeat, this may have an impact on their own habits. However,
eating disorder organizations say it’s important not to blame parents or families, as binge eating disorders tend to develop from many factors.
Depression or low self-esteem
Depression and binge eating are closely linked. Like other disorders, binge eating is often a coping mechanism for difficult feelings. Binge eating may help to compensate for feelings of
loneliness, hopelessness and purposelessness. The rise in social media has made it easier to stay up to date on celebrities and diet trends. Comparing oneself to others can lead to a
negative body image. Those who are not happy with the way they look may turn to binge eating. The feelings one experiences after binging may lead to more binging.
Stress and anxiety
According to a study, approximately 37% of those diagnosed with binge eating disorder are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The relationship between
binge eating disorder and anxiety are comprised of biological, psychological and social factors. One often eats more when feeling anxious to relieve stress. Stress can also influence food preferences, increasing the intake of foods high in fat and sugar.
Extreme dieting
Extreme dieting and the effects of
diet culture can lead to binge eating disorder. Restrictive diets and
fad diets may lead to increased cravings, resulting in binge eating or yo-yo dieting. Often times avoiding certain foods or food groups only intensifies the desire for them and increases the taste and reward stimulation. This stimulates the brain to light up when the food is consumed. Therefore, it should come as no surprise why dieters struggle to stop eating when they succumb to their cravings.
Binge eating disorder risk factors
Binge eating can affect people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, body weights and genders. In general, eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood but may also develop during childhood or later in life.
Tips to control binging
- Keep a food journal. A lot can be learned by keeping track of food consumption in a food journal, including potential triggers for binging.
- Eat consistent meals and snacks throughout the day. This will help keep blood sugar levels stable and hunger at bay.
- Portion out food or opt for single serving packages. This can prevent eating too much.
- Avoid fad diets. These diets tend to cut out whole food groups and can be overly restrictive.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can prevent binging by helping you learn to recognize when hunger subsides.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a simple yet effective way to curb cravings and keep yourself feeling full.
- Clean out the kitchen. Donate or throw out foods that often trigger binging, as having them around can make it easier to binge eat. This is very individualized to every person.
- Eat breakfast daily. Starting the day with breakfast can reduce cravings and reduce the risk of binge eating later in the day.
Take control of binge eating disorder
If you experience several of the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder, it may be time to seek help. Binge eating may be short-lived or last for years if left untreated. Talking with a mental health professional about binge eating symptoms and feelings is the first step. If you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating, talking with a registered dietitian may be helpful as well. A
Kroger Health registered dietitian can show you how to realistically maintain a healthy weight while enjoying your favorite foods.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="169330" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1696976925925{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/foods-alive-organic-sprouted-crisps-everything"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="169331" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1696976943876{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/olly-combat-cravings"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="169332" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1696976959779{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/yogi-non-gmo-caffeine-free-herbal-tea-stress-relief"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
