Binge eating disorderinvolves uncontrollable overeating that can lead to weight gain and other physical and emotional issues. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people with binge eating disorder experience more health problems and stress than other people do.
Binge eating disorder is also associated with shame and poor self-esteem, says Kathleen Ashton, PhD, a psychologist in the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and a member of the American Psychological Association.
在暴食一集,一个人很快eats abnormally large amounts of food. Although binge eaters may feel uncomfortably full after an episode, they don’t try to compensate for this large intake of calories, unlike people withbulimiawho try to control weight gain through vomiting,laxatives, or other methods, Dr. Ashton says.
While binge eating disorder can lead to health risks and emotional issues like depression, there are ways you can reduce these risks and improve your quality of life.
Binge Eating and Obesity
Eating large amounts of food can definitely lead to weight gain, and obesity is a serious health problem, Ashton explains. Binge eaters are often overweight or obese, however not all are.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that binge eaters who are obese are at risk for all of the health problems related to obesity, including type 2 diabetes,sleep apnea, high blood pressure,high cholesterol, heart disease,gallbladderdisease, and joint and muscle pain.
Women who binge eat and are obese have additional risks, such asirregular periodsand infertility. Women are also at greater risk of problems during pregnancy, such ashigh blood sugarand increased risk of having a cesarean delivery.
Binge Eating and Emotional Problems
Not all health risks associated with binge eating disorder are linked to obesity, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Many of the risks are related to mental health and emotional problems.
Binge eating disorder is commonly associated with depression, which can be both a risk factor for the eating disorder and a consequence of it.
People who binge eat often struggle with poor self-image as well as feelings of shame and guilt about their behavior. Although they’re in a great deal of distress, people with binge eating disorder typically keep their problem a secret. "These people are usually closet eaters and wait until they’re alone to eat," Ashton says. "They also hide the evidence of eating from other people."
These feelings can become so severe that binge eating interferes with relationships, sleep, and overall quality of life, according to the National Association ofAnorexia Nervosaand Associated Disorders. Astudypublished in November 2013 in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that suicide attempts were more common in women with alltypes of eating disorders, including binge eating disorder.
How to Minimize Health Risks of Binge Eating Disorder
To protect your health and prevent the emotional and physical complications of binge eating disorder, it’s important to get help. Take these steps:
Recognize the problem.The first step is tounderstand and acceptthat your symptoms indicate an actual disorder that should be treated. Then, you can identify underlying issues that trigger episodes of binge eating and address those issues. It’s also important to form a healthier relationship with food and become more comfortable and confident with yourself in general.
Ease anxiety.Relaxation techniques like deep-breathing exercises can help ease stress related to depression, according to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you have anxiety orsymptoms of depressiondue to binge eating disorder, you might also try yoga, listening to music, and other relaxation therapies.
Exercise.Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of certain health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, and helprelieve stressand symptoms of depression. Talk to your doctor about how to get started with a healthy exercise routine that’s best for you.
Stop restrictive dieting.Traditional weight-loss strategies may do more harm than good. "Any type of intervention that involves restriction could trigger a rebound binge, particularly for people with a history of other eating disorders,” Ashton says.
Make healthier food choices.You may want to work with a dietitian to learn about good nutrition and healthier food choices. A dietitian can help you realize how your eating patterns may be harmful and can help you create a healthier food plan.
Keep a food diary.Tracking what you eat and when you eat it can help you recognize how your feelings affect your eating patterns. Create a food diary to determine what triggers you to binge eat.
Seek support.Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is effective for people with binge eating disorder. In addition to one-on-one sessions, you may benefit from group orfamily therapyas well. Talk therapy is also used totreat depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems that can contribute to binge eating disorder.
