Why binge eating happens and how to stop it
Binge eating is a serious problem that can lead to long-term health consequences. While the exact cause of binge eating is not known, there are several contributing factors. These include:
Stress: Binge eating is often a form of self-medication for stress. When people are under a lot of stress, they may turn to food for comfort.
Boredom: Eating can be a way to fill time when people are bored.
Hunger: Sometimes people may not eat regular meals and become too hungry. This can lead to overeating.
Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as depression, can lead to binge eating.
Genetics: Binge eating may be more common in people who have family members with eating disorders.
There are several ways to stop binge eating. These include:
eating regular meals
avoiding triggers
seeking professional help
Making lifestyle changes can be difficult, but it is important to seek help if you are struggling with binge eating..Original source
How to overcome the urge to binge eat
It is estimated that about one in every two hundred people suffer from compulsive overeating disorder, otherwise known as binge eating disorder (BED). This means that if you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you or someone you know is struggling with this difficult and often lonely condition. The first step to overcoming BED is to understand what it is and how it manifests.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time, followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. Unlike people with bulimia nervosa, people with BED do not purge after binges. People with BED often report feeling out of control while bingeing and describe the experience as feeling like they are powerless to stop.
Binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food even when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The cause of Binge Eating Disorder is not fully known, but there are certain risk factors that have been identified. These include:
Certain psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, negative body image, and a history of dieting
Family history of eating disorders or obesity
Certain biological factors, such as changes in brain chemicals that control hunger and fullness
triggering events, such as major life changes or trauma
What are the Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder can lead to a number of serious physical and psychological consequences. These include:
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Gallbladder disease
Musculoskeletal problems
Sleep apnea
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
How is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
The main treatment for binge eating disorder is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy called interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). IPT focuses on the relationships between people and their environment and how these relationships affect emotions and behaviors. IPT has been shown to be effective in treating a number of different mental health disorders, including BED.
Other treatments for BED include:
Antidepressants
Anti-obesity medications
Nutritional counseling
Exercise programs
Support groups
How Can I Overcome the Urge to Binge Eat?
Here are a few tips to help you overcome the urge to binge eat:
1. Do not diet.
Dieting is one of the most common triggers for binge eating episodes. When you deprive yourself of food, your body goes into “survival mode” and starts to hoard calories. This can lead to intense food cravings and eventual binges.
2. Avoid trigger foods.
Trigger foods are those that you know are likely to cause a binge. For some people, this may be sugary or high-fat foods. For others, it may be foods that are off-limits during dieting, such as carbs or sweets. If you can identify your trigger foods, it may be helpful to avoid them altogether.
3. Eat regular meals.
Skipping meals or allowing yourself to get too hungry can also trigger binge eating. Be sure to eat three regular meals each day, plus healthy snacks as needed.
4. Find a different outlet.
If you typically binge eat when you are feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious, it may be helpful to find a different outlet for those emotions. Some people find that exercise helps to alleviate stress and improve mood. Others find that journaling or talking to a therapist can be helpful.
5. Seek professional help.
If you have tried to overcome binge eating on your own but have been unsuccessful, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist who specializes in eating disorders can provide you with the tools and support you need to recover.
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