It is common to associate binge eating behaviors with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, binge-eating type.However, in 2013 binge eating disorder was recognized as a separate mental health disorder, paving the way for more targeted binge eating disorder treatment. This type of eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food within a short period of time, often to the point of feeling uncomfortable.
Those with the condition may binge eat when they are not physically hungry and may experience feelings of shame, guilt oranger after the binge. However, unlike symptoms of anorexia nervosa where an individual may restrict food or bulimia nervosa where an individual will purge after binging, this type of eating disorder does not involve any compensatory behaviors.
Interested in binge eating treatment? Keep reading to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with the condition.
1. Binge Eating Disorder Is More Common Than People Think
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States today. Between one to five percent of adults are affected by the disorder and it often goes undetected by doctors who mistake the symptoms for other physical health conditions.
2. Binge Eating Disorder Is Associated with Serious Health Risks
While many of those with the condition experience high levels of shame and depression, they also have to worry about a number of physical health risks. Early intervention and the support of a binge eating disorder treatment program is essential as many patients are already dealing with high cholesterol, heart disease,diabetes, obesity or musculoskeletal issues.
3. Emotions Can Drive a Binge Eating Episode
Some people turn to binge eating as a way to self-medicate and/or regulate high levels of emotion. Binge eating can serve those diagnosed with the condition as a way to reduce feelings of anxiety and other negative emotions. However, while binging can provide short-term feelings of relief, the long-term psychological and physical consequences of the condition can be very serious.
4. Restricted Dieting Can Result in Binge Eating Behaviors
Many people who develop binge eating disorder may turn to this behavior after attempting to restrict their diets with highly inflexible rules. For example, when a person begins cutting out entire food groups, such as bread or dairy, they are more likely to feel deprived and hungry. When faced with such restrictive dietary rules, some people may choose to “cheat” on their diet by binging and promising to get back on track again the next day.
5. Most People with Binge Eating Disorder Deal with High Levels of Shame
Whether they have difficulty eating in front of other people or they feel a great deal of shame after binging in private,shame and binge eating disorder often go hand-in-hand. Similar to symptoms of anorexia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder can feel as if everyone around them is watching and evaluating the amount of food they are consuming.
6. Binge Eating Disorder Affects Men and Women
While many people associate eating disorders with young girls, in reality, both men and women of all ages can develop binge eating disorder. In fact, around 40 percent of the people diagnosed with binge eating disorder are men. When choosing a comprehensive eating disorder recovery program, families can research treatment centers targeted toward men, women or both.
Contact Oliver-Pyatt Centers Today
Interested in learning more about binge eating disorder treatment? At Oliver-Pyatt Centers we understand the importance of early intervention for successful eating disorder recovery. Whether a loved one has symptoms of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, wecan help him or she begins on the road to recovery today. Call 866-511-4325 or contact us online for more information about eating disorder treatment, including binge eating treatment.
