What resources are available for people with binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counteract the binge. While there are no exact numbers, it is estimated that 2.8% of American adults suffer from BED.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, help is available. Here are a few resources:
1. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is a great starting point for finding support and treatment options. NEDA has a helpline (1-800-931-2237) as well as an online chat service (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/chat-with-us) which can provide confidential support.
2. Another excellent resource is the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA). BEDA offers support groups, an annual conference, and a variety of helpful resources on their website (https://www.bedaonline.com/).
3. There are also many specialized treatment facilities that focus on treating eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder. While treatment options will vary depending on the facility, they may include individual therapy, group therapy, and/or medical supervision.
If you think you may have Binge Eating Disorder, reach out for help. These resources can provide the support you need to start your journey to recovery..Read Full Report
What are the steps for overcoming binge eating disorder?
It’s not unusual to overeat on occasion. Maybe you had a rough day at work and sought comfort in a pint of ice cream, or you went to an all-you-can-eat buffet and couldn’t say no to seconds (or thirds). But if you find yourself routinely overeating despite feeling ashamed, unhappy, or sick afterwards, you may be struggling with binge eating disorder (BED).
Binge eating disorder is a serious eating disorder in which you frequently eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time and feel unable to control your eating. Unlike other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, people with BED do not make themselves vomit or use other purging behaviors after eating.
People with BED often eat even when they’re not hungry and continue eating until they’re uncomfortably full. After a binge, they may feel disgusted, ashamed, or depressed. Binge eating disorder affects about 3.5% of adults in the United States, and it is the most common eating disorder in the US.
It’s possible to overcome binge eating disorder with the help of a mental health provider, support group, or other treatment program. The first step is acknowledging that you have a problem and want to make a change. From there, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms, work on healing your relationship with food, and get to the root of why you’re overeating in the first place.
If you’re not sure whether you have BED or are just struggling with overeating on occasion, consider taking this self-test from the National Eating Disorder Association. If you think you may have BED, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider. They can help you make a plan to overcome your disorder.
Here are some steps you can take to overcome binge eating disorder:
1. Acknowledge that you have a problem.
The first step to overcoming any problem is admitting that you have one. If you’re not sure whether you have BED, consider taking a self-test or talking to your doctor. Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a problem, you can start to take steps to change your behaviors.
2. Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
If you’re used to coping with negative emotions by binge eating, you’ll need to find new, healthier ways to deal with them. Some healthy coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, and spending time with friends or family. Find what works for you and make a plan for how you’ll deal with triggers that might lead to a binge.
3. Work on your relationship with food.
Overeating can be a way of numbing difficult emotions or filling a void in your life. If you want to overcome BED, you’ll need to work on developing a healthier relationship with food. This may include learning to cook healthy meals, exploring your feelings around food, and learning to eat mindfully.
4. Get to the root of your problem.
Binge eating disorder often develops as a way to deal with difficult emotions or situations. If you want to overcome BED, you’ll need to get to the root of your problem. This may involve talking to a therapist about your experiences, exploring your childhood, and understanding any trauma you’ve experienced. Once you know what’s driving your disorder, you can start to work on healing those underlying issues.
5. Seek professional help.
Binge eating disorder is a serious problem that can be difficult to overcome on your own. If you’re struggling to make changes on your own, consider seeking professional help. This may include talking to your doctor, meeting with a therapist, or joining a support group.
If you’re struggling with binge eating disorder, know that you’re not alone and there is help available. These steps can help you start on the path to recovery.
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