Does stress make you eat more?
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating - Frequently consuming, unusually large amounts of food in one sitting and feeling that eating behaviour is out of control.
Binge eating is a newly characterized eating disorder that encompasses individuals who have severe distress and dysfunction due to binge eating, but who do not regularly engage in inappropriate compensatory behaviour. While relatively uncommon in the general community, Binge eating disorder (BED) becomes more prevalent with increasing severity of obesity.
Eating disorders are about far more than food – they are complex health conditions that usually require professional intervention. Nearly 20 million women and 10 million men experience an eating disorder at some point in their life. Let’s know more on binge eating disorder (BED).
We need to remember - Binge eating is a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable eating. It is a common symptom of eating disorders such as
-binge eating disorder
-bulimia nervosa.
A diagnosis of binge eating is associated with feelings of loss of control. Binge eating disorder is also linked with being overweight and obesity.
However, long-term dieting, psychological issues and an obsession with body image have been linked to binge eating. There are multiple factors that increase a person's risk of developing binge eating disorder.
Family history can play a role if that person had a family member who was affected by binge eating. Having a history of going on extreme diets may cause an urge to binge eat. Psychological issues such as feeling negatively about oneself or the way they look may trigger a binge.
Complications:
sleep apnea,
cancer,
heart disease,
high blood pressure,
type 2 diabetes,
arthritis.
***Eating disorders can also relate to depression.
It effects - Typically the eating is done rapidly and a person will feel emotionally numb and unable to stop eating. Most people who binge eating try to hide this behaviour from others, and often feel ashamed about being overweight or depressed about overeating.
Treatments
There is Behavioural Weight Loss therapy (BWL) that is meant to help a person make gradual lifestyle changes to their diet and eating habits.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) targets the chaotic eating habits of a person with BED and encourages a regular meal plan.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) addresses the social deficits of BED and promotes lifestyle changes.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is used to teach healthy ways of dealing with emotional arousals or urges.
***Tip to remember- Recovery is a process. It will take time. However, help is necessary and beneficial.