Breaking the cycle of binge eating

It’s no secret that obesity has become a major health crisis in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of American adults are considered obese. And the numbers are only rising.

But what’s often overlooked in the discussion of obesity is the role that binge eating plays in the problem. Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents. And research suggests that people with BED are more likely to be obese than those without the disorder.

So, what is BED and how can you break the cycle of binge eating?

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time (usually less than two hours). During a binge, people with BED feel a loss of control over their eating. They may eat even when they’re not hungry and continue eating until they feel uncomfortably full.

Binges are typically followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. And they often lead to unhealthy behaviors like purging (vomiting or using laxatives to rid the body of calories), fasting, or excessive exercise.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

There is no single cause of BED. Rather, it’s believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:

Biological factors: Some research suggests that people with BED have a higher than normal level of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin, which may play a role in overeating.

Psychological factors: BED is often associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. People with BED may use food as a way to cope with negative emotions.

Social factors: People with BED may have a history of being teased or ridiculed about their weight. They may also come from families where disordered eating behaviors are common.

What Are the Health Risks of Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is associated with a number of serious health risks, including:

Obesity: As mentioned, people with BED are more likely to be obese than those without the disorder. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Eating disorders: People with BED are also at increased risk for other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.

Mental health problems: BED is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

How Can You Break the Cycle of Binge Eating Disorder?

If you’re struggling with BED, there is hope. With treatment, most people are able to recover and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

There are a number of different treatment approaches for BED, but the most effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that helps people change the way they think and behave.

During CBT, people with BED work with a therapist to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their disorder. They then learn to replace these problematic thoughts and behaviors with healthier ones.

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for BED. In one study, people who received CBT showed a significant reduction in binge eating and purging behaviors compared to those who did not receive CBT.

If you’re struggling with BED, know that you are not alone. There is help available. And with treatment, you can break the cycle of binge eating and live a healthy, happy life..More information

Why weight loss is not the answer to binge eating

Binge eating is a serious problem that can lead to long-term health problems. It is important to seek help from a health professional if you think you may be binge eating.

Weight loss is not the answer to binge eating. In fact, dieting can often make binge eating worse. Dieting can lead to feelings of deprivation, which can trigger binge eating. And, when people lose weight, they often regain the weight, plus more. So, not only is weight loss not the answer to binge eating, it can actually make the problem worse.

The best way to stop binge eating is to get help from a health professional who can help you develop healthy eating habits. There is no quick fix for binge eating, but with help, you can overcome this problem.

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