What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder or Compulsive Overeating is characterised by periods of compulsive overeating in which people consume huge amounts of food while feeling out of control and powerless to stop. There is no purging involved but there may be fasts or repeated cycles of dieting. A typical binge lasts approximately two hours but some people binge on and off all day. Binge eaters often eat even when they are not hungry and continue eating long after they are full. They may also eat very fast sometimes without registering what type of food or how much they are eating.

People with binge eating disorder suffer from a type of psychological food addiction. They cannot say no to food but feel very anxious and down afterwards. Often the binge is triggered by a depressed or anxious mood but may also overeat when they are tense, lonely or bored. Food is an attempt to sooth emotions feelings rather than as nourishment for their bodies. These episodes of overeating often result in weight gain, although some people with Binge Eating Disorder have a normal body mass index. Weight gain reinforces compulsive eating. As weight increases a person with binge eating disorder over eats to cope with the weight gain which reflect a vicious circle of weight gain and binge eating.

Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
People with Binge Eating Disorder often experience some of the following signs:

• Inability to stop eating or control what you are eating
  
• Frequent dieting
  
• Weight fluctuations
  
• Rapidly eating large amounts of food
  
• Eating when you are full
  
• Eating normal amount of food when in the company of other but eating I excess when alone
  
• Feeling tension that is only relieved by eating
  
• Embarrassment over how much you are eating
  
• Feeling numb while binging
  
• Never feeling satisfied no matter how much you eat.
  
• Feeling guilty or depressed after eating

What causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The cause of Binge eating disorder is not clear. Research suggests that psychological problem such as depression and anxiety are implicated. Low self esteem has also been suggested. Ongoing dieting has also being linked to binge eating disorder. Dieting and the restriction of certain foods can cause cravings to develop.

Effects of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating put a lot of strain on the body especially on the digestive system. People with binge eating disorder report more health issues, stress, insomnia and suicidal thoughts than people without an eating disorder. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse are also common side effects. The affects of binge eating disorder has many complication common to obesity. These include the risk of the following conditions:

• Type 2 diabetes
  
• High cholesterol
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Heart Disease
  
• Joint and muscle pain
  
• Gallbladder disease

How is Binge Eating Disorder diagnosed?
Binge Eating disorder is diagnosed by a GP who will assess the level of food consumption compared to recommended amount and severity of binges within a define length of time.

How is Binge Eating Disorder treated?
The goal of treatment for binge eating disorder is to reduce compulsive overeating and bingeing episodes. This is achieved by a combination of many approaches depending on the individual. The elements of the treatment could include the following:

• Weight loss plan
  
• Cognitive Behavioural therapy
  
• Anti depressant medication
  
• Support groups

Tips for Overcoming Binge Eating

• Eat Breakfast as this will help you avoid picking at snacks later in the day
  
• Avoid temptation by not buying junk food and snacks.
  
• Stop dieting and follow a balanced health diet plan that allows treats as well as healthier options.
  
• Exercise help to maintain a healthy body weight and also affects our mood positively and reduces stress.
  
• Learn to deal effectively with stress: learn the triggers for stress in your life and develop healthy coping mechanism specific to your life and situations.
  

What should I do if I have an eating disorder?
Overcoming an eating disorder is not just about gaining weight or giving up unhealthy eating patters. Overcoming an eating disorder is about learning to listen to your body, to your feelings learning to trust, accept and love yourself. In order to do that the follow step are useful.

Find an eating disorder specialist. Contact Bodywhys (1890 200 444) for a list of GP’s with a special interest in eating disorders

Address urgent health problems first then tackle underlying emotional issues

Contact an eating disorder support group for peer support on dealing with your condition and emotional support in the form of understanding and advice.

Learn new coping skills - eating disorders are more about emotional issues than food. Disordered eating is a coping mechanism to deal with painful emotions such as anger, self loathing, fear, guilt and vulnerability. You can learn new coping strategies when you feel painful emotions. Pick a healthier coping strategy that suits you such as writing your thoughts in a diary, healthy amount of exercise, music, painting or music.

Try to improve your self image - when you base your self worth on physical appearance and body size alone you fail to see the other qualities that make you who you are. In order to positively influence your self worth:

• Make a list of your positive qualities; ask your friends and family to help you.
  
• Challenge negative self talk. See the module of noticing unhelpful thinking in the self help section of this website to help with this task.
  
• Focus on what you like about yourself and your body.

Learn Healthy Eating habits - this may be difficult if you have spent a good amount of time focussing on calories and weight but is a very important step in recovery from eating disorders. Try to eat foods that you like and make meals an enjoyable part of the day by spending it them with family or friends or in a location you enjoy.

Identify your triggers: If possible learn to identify situation that make you want to revert back to unhealthy eating patterns. Once you notice these triggers have a plan in place that gives you extra support. This could be attending a support group more often, talking with family or friends or writing your thought in a diary.

How can you hep a friend or family member who has an eating disorder?

Learn about eating disorders so you can understand the struggles and difficulties your friend or family member is going through. Have patience and compassion; there is no quick fix for eating disorders but encouragement will impact positively.

Be a good role model for healthy living and eating.

Accept your limitations

Take care of your own health

For more information on Eating disorders and support contact Bodywhys on 1890 200 444