Are You a Binge Eater?
Ever wonder if you have a serious problem with binge eating?
In the Harvard Mental Health Letter, I read a feature article
about the treatment of bulimia and binge eating.
Bulimia is defined as 2 or more episodes of binge eating
(consuming a large amount of food in 2 hours or less) at least
twice a week for 3 months. These episodes may be followed by
vomiting or purging (with laxatives or diuretics) and may
alternate with fasting and compulsive exercising.
People who suffer from bulimia often view this behavior as a
shameful secret.
Binge Eating Disorder (binging that is not followed by vomiting,
fasting or exercise) has gotten more attention recently since it
is being considered for inclusion as a psychiatric diagnosis.
The criteria are tentatively listed as “a condition that causes
serious distress with at least 3 of the following symptoms
occurring at least 2 days a week for 6 months:
â?¢eating very fast â?¢eating until uncomfortably full â?¢eating when
not hungry â?¢eating alone â?¢feeling disgusted or guilty afterward
Since most of the population has probably engaged in these
eating behaviors at one time or another, I guess it comes down
to the frequency and severity of the problem.
You can be a binge eater, but you would have to be binging quite
regularly to be considered to have Binge Eating Disorder.
Many people engage in some of these behaviors all the time.
People who live alone often eat alone.
And while eating when you aren’t hungry is not the most
satisfying experience, sometimes it is just an ingrained habit.
You do not have to be overweight to be a binge eater.
Many people with binge eating problems think they are overweight
or are worried that they will become seriously overweight.
Dieting does not necessarily stop the binging and is often
viewed as being part of the problem rather than the solution.
The body resists dieting by slowing metabolism and increasing
appetite, commonly accompanied by an intense preoccupation with
food, more binging, anxiety and depression.
If you are struggling with bulimia or severe binge eating
problems, seek help and get the support you deserve.
Don’t keep it a secret.
You do not need to be heroic and suffer alone.
If you engage in some of the binge eating behaviors, join the
club and keep reading . . .
You can learn to change all of these behaviors, even mild to
moderate binge eating by listening to your body, eating
mindfully and being kind to yourself.
Here’s to getting the help you need, Carol
October 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
binge eater?
okay so I always say this but this time i'm so determined… i've never felt this way before!so happy!I'm a binge eater and i eat well over 6,000 calories a day on a daily basis and have done for the past 2 years….i'm 5 foot 4 and 133 pounds (to be honest i should be a LOT bigger!). I'm going to start eating a lot less and try limiting myself to 1,200 calories without restricting myself too much as I know it will lead into another binge…realistically I want to get back to my normal weight of 112 pounds…how long do you think it will take me? i don't actually exercise but will be starting to as i really want to tone up….also any ideas for meal plans?i'm thinking GI plan….
October 12th, 2008 at 9:29 am
good idea! you will be healthier inside and out!
References :
October 12th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Good for you. You will save yourself a lot of trouble when you are older.
References :
October 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
i'm not sure how long it will take you,
but i do think you should limit is straight to 1200 after eating over 6000!
maybe try dropping it by 100 each week,
it will be much healthier!
i promise it will not work to o straight to 1200!!
good luck,x
References :
October 12th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Going from 6k calories a day to 1200 is a very bad idea. Not only is it unhealthy but your going to put on weight for a long time before you start losing weight because your body is going to think its starving and your metabolism is going to slow down. You need to cut your calorie intake little by little over a few months. Stop eating so much processed foods. It is very hard to eat 2k calories a day in raw organic fruits and vegetables+lien meats. I would suggest eating between 1600 and 2000 calories a day, 1200 is a bit low. Do cardio everyday! At first you will be sore and it will take a while to build up enough strength to do it everyday but stick with it. If you want to lose weight don't worry to much about weight lifting just focus mostly on cardio. Plan on losing 2 pounds per week at most. Eight pounds per month is the most you want to lose at a healthy rate. GL
References :
December 6th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
my wieght is 115 and i think im too fat
ppl say i really need to losse wight
and i stopp eating for days
and kno i get really big head aches
and i cant see clearly
is this a problme?