Are You a Binge Eater?
Sunday, October 12th, 2008
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
