Compulsive overeating is recognized as a binge eating disorder and is usually caused by many factors. Learn how to stop binge eating and when to seek treatment.
Binge eating disorder affects those who compulsively overeat,
unable to control themselves. This eating disorder can develop as a
way of coping with depression or stress, but once it takes over it
can lead to serious weight gain.
Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating isn't followed by purging, but
usually includes feelings of guilt that increase stress or anxiety
and cause more compulsive overeating.
Overeating infrequently, like
on big holiday meals, is not part of the binge eating disorder that
usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, sometimes
after a long diet period. Find out what are the causes and the
treatment options to stop binge eating now.
How to Recognize Binge Eating Disorder
Most people who suffer from binge eating have a few things in
common: eating even when you're full, rapidly eating large amounts
of food and eating normally around others, followed by gorging when
alone.
People who don't have mealtimes and eat throughout the day or
stockpile food to eat at a later time also probably suffer from
this eating disorder which can than cause weight gain and digestive
problems.
Binge Eating Causes
Most specialists agree binge eating is a result of a combination of
factors, ranging from psychological and biological to
environmental.
Anger, stress, sadness or anxiety can trigger binge episodes in
perfectly healthy people as well, but this type of behavior seems
to be more frequent in families that overeat or use food as a
reward, making binge eating seem an inherited behavior in many
cases.
How to Stop Binge Eating?
Once you recognize that you have a problem and that you eat more
than you need and have less control over your actions when it comes
to food, the recommended treatment options include a combination of
psychological and nutritional counseling and sometimes
medication.
The psychotherapy aspect in any attempt to stop binge eating is
focused on developing healthy attitudes towards food, while
nutritional counseling promotes healthy eating patterns and a
balanced diet.
Medication for binge eating can be used in some cases, mostly
antidepressants which help control anxiety and reduce binge eating,
including SSRIs and anticonvulsants like topiramate and
zonisamide.
Binge eating causes weight gain and can also contribute to
depression and anxiety, so it shouldn't be left untreated for a
long time after the first symptoms appear and start changing the
way you eat.
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