Symptoms and Treatment of Binge Eating
According to the national survey, binge eating (BED) affects 2.8 million and is more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia combined.
According to Oxford Clinical Psychology, there is no one cause of this eating disorder:
Unfortunately, there is a lack of data on binge eating symptoms and the lasting emotional and mental affects. Although 50–70% will recover with treatment, the treatment isn’t readily accessible to people and the slew of media content encourages eating “MORE.” it’s understandable why many people with BED are left untreated and do not understand the depth of BED.
I hope to answer in this article:
The symptoms of BED?
What are the actual effects of this eating disorder?
What does treatment look like for the average individual suffering from BED?
Symptoms of BED and the Cycle
Binge eating is like any eating disorder; there are negative emotional attachments to food and body image.
- In times of emotional distress, the temptation to consume large amounts of food is difficult to face.
- The feeling of not being able to control the intake or choices of food. The issue here is feeling out of control when an individual should always feel in control of his/her decisions.
- The overwhelming desire to eat foods that are unhealthy, this desire varies contingent on the emotional environment at the time.
- Hiding or feeling ashamed of food intake. Shame and guilt mean an individual honestly feels like what they are doing is wrong but is powerless to stop it. Again, no person should feel powerless in their own life.
The Effects of Binge Eating
Due to the emotional attachment and lack of control, there are negative implications from binge eating.
Low self-esteem
As an individual gains weight they face societies beauty standards. Naturally impacting a persons view on him/herself, and self-esteem begins to dip, leading to a negative body image.
Body Dysmorphia
Most binge eaters are overweight or their weight is in constant fluctuation and eventually reach a point where they always see themselves as “fat” or “ugly.” No matter what they do to alter their appearance, they regard themselves in a negative physical light. Making comments to others about their weight or their dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Feeling Weak
The overwhelming temptation and giving in to that temptation can wear personal will power down. One bad day of eating unhealthy can turn into a week of no motivation to work out or try eating healthy again.
Incapacity to Become Close to Others
Addictions can cause shame in individuals. This shame builds within and creates an invisible barrier that “protects” the individual from criticism; the self-criticism is so high it’s assumed other people will critique as well.
Shame
From not being able to stop, secretly binge eating, the media’s harsh criticism of overweight individuals is all held within. It creates a very lonely environment in which many people hide their true selves away from others.
Treatment of Over Eating
I suffered from binge eating for years of my life until I decided to research into treating it.
Addictions are tough to conquer because it is a source of coping and comfort in a seemingly uncomfortable world.
1. Reassess Beliefs and Emotions Around Food
The negative feelings that arise when eating and the expectations surrounding body image. It’s important to be honest with yourself to understand where you currently stand.
2. Be Frank in Moments of Weakness.
In times of emotional distress, it will be difficult to not reach for simple coping mechanisms. Tap into a source of inner willpower and try your best to find a different outlet. Be honest with yourself and say aloud;
“I am upset, sad, angry, and I want (insert favorite food item)” hear yourself say it and respond with your higher self. “I know you want to binge eat right now, I know it is hard not too, but we are better than addiction, and I care about you (insert name) to let you fall into these habits.”
3. Forgive Yourself
The goal is not to quit binge eating and lose weight, that’s a futile goal. The goal is to make sincere amends with yourself and be in control of your energy, choices, and behavior.
So expect times where you might reach for a donut, burger, etc. but know this journey is about you and you alone. No one is watching you; no one is holding you accountable, only you have to wake up with yourself every day.
4. Breakup with Shame
Shame does not feel good in anyone’s life. It is a sneaky, mischievous whisper in the ear of those trying to build their best selves. It reminds you of the past and why you “can’t” do what you want. There’s no place for shame or guilt when your healing.
5. Stubbornly Learn How To Love Yourself
Learn what you’re missing that you continue to fill with food.
Learn what kind of love you want to experience in your life and begin giving it to yourself.
Start talking about yourself using quality and uplifting words.
Begin studying how to build a foundation of self-love and self-acceptance and don’t let anyone including yourself influence that.
