Gaby
Binge eating is a disorder characterized by the uncontrollable consumption of large quantities of food. According to Paul Jenkins, an adjunct professor of clinical psychology at the University of Reading in the UK, this eating disorder is the most common one, occurring three times more frequently than anorexia. Research indicates that the number of binge eating cases worldwide is steadily increasing.
Despite its prevalence, many individuals who struggle with binge eating are unaware that they have a disorder.
How can you recognize it? What sets binge eating apart from occasional overeating or periodic emotional eating is the loss of control over food consumption.
Some signs of binge eating include:
- A person eats until they feel uncomfortably full
- They consume large amounts of food even when not hungry
- They eat faster than usual
- After a meal, they feel disgust, guilt, and are in a bad mood
Serious Consequences of the Disorder
Paul Jenkins believes that binge eating should be identified before serious health issues develop, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels.
At the same time, those who overeat often experience mental health issues. About 70 percent of patients suffering from binge eating report feelings of depression or anxiety, according to Science Alert. Approximately a quarter of individuals with this diagnosis have attempted suicide.
Binge eating can negatively impact daily life, potentially leading to decreased academic performance or reduced job prospects.
However, as Paul Jenkins noted, binge eating can be effectively treated.
Most individuals struggling with this disorder are recommended psychological treatment methods. For example, cognitive therapy helps identify the underlying causes of overeating and develop healthy eating habits.
Medication is also a tool against this disorder, but it is less effective than psychological therapy and comes with side effects, including headaches, insomnia, nausea, and fatigue.
Listening to Yourself
The symptoms of binge eating are often linked to negative events or emotions. Therefore, it’s essential to take your mental health seriously.
Early indicators that uncontrolled eating is progressing may include changes in eating behavior, such as buying large quantities of food or consuming excessive amounts even when not hungry.
If you find yourself spending a lot of time thinking about food and suspect that overeating is becoming a problem, it’s crucial to seek help from healthcare professionals as soon as possible. Typically, multiple specialists address this issue: a psychologist, a dietitian, and a gastroenterologist.
