This Condition Affects Many People, Signs For Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
There is a condition known as binge eating disorder (BED), which affects about 2% of people all over the world. The majority of persons who struggle with this condition will regularly engage in uncontrolled bouts of eating that can last for many hours at a time without giving any thought to the results of their actions. It isn’t just about consuming as much food as humanly can; rather, it’s about covering up deeper psychological concerns, which is a problem that many people who struggle with it face. This is a protective mechanism, but it can lead to a wide variety of other issues.
The editorial staff of Onplusnews is of the opinion that it is necessary to have a fundamental understanding of this disease in order to be able to recognize and respond appropriately to instances of it. In addition, if you notice any of the symptoms associated with this condition, you need to make an appointment with a qualified medical practitioner as soon as possible.
The symptoms of BED
- You consume a lot of food in a brief window of time, such as a two-hour period.
- You eat even when you are not hungry until it is unbearably uncomfortable.
- You consume food at a breakneck speed and frequently keep your eating episodes hidden from those around you.
- You experience guilt, shame, and depression following your eating episodes as a result of what you just ate.
The risk factors
There are many possible causes for this disorder, thus many people could be affected.
- Genetics: The condition is frequently hereditary and is related to dopamine. Some people are more sensitive to this chemical in the brain, which is related to pleasure and rewards.
- Gender and brain changes: Women are more prone to BED than men are. 3.6% of women and 2% of males in the US alone experience it. Additionally, people with the disease appear to have changed brain structures and poorer self-control when it comes to their eating.
- Obesity and body image problems: People who binge eat frequently have very poor opinions of their bodies and are frequently overweight.
- Psychological problems: People may use food as a coping method as a result of childhood trauma, phobias, depression, or PTSD.
The health risks
Obesity, which places a patient at a significantly increased risk for a wide range of medical issues, affects nearly half of those who have been diagnosed with BED. Diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, sleep difficulties, and asthma are among the illnesses that are found in the greatest numbers. Because of these risk factors, it is more probable that they will require medical attention at a hospital or other medical facility. In addition, persons diagnosed with BED have reported having difficulties functioning normally in social settings.
Ways to prevent it
There is a way to deal with binge eating problem early on, but it cannot actually be prevented. You should consult your doctor for guidance and treatment options if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. You should consult a medical professional if you have children and find that they have an unhealthy relationship with food from an early age. You and your child will be able to recognize and treat the problem if you deal with it as soon as it arises.
Treatment options
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- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: If your binge eating is caused by unresolved difficulties, you must first deal with these issues before addressing the food intake. To be able to control your bad emotions and regain control, you must learn to limit your food consumption.
- You will learn to handle stress effectively and enhance your relationships with others via dialectical behavior therapy. You will learn that there is a healthy method to deal with the challenges if these are the driving factors behind your binge eating.
- Medication: Although it may be the last thing you want to attempt, there have been cases when taking medication helped people experience less binge eating. They might not, however, be successful in losing weight. In any situation, you should always get advice from your physician and confirm that you are under their care.
What kind of relationship do you have with food, and are there any people you know that have an unhealthy relationship with it?
