Binge Eating Disorder
Much like Compulsive Overeating, sufferers with Binge Eating Disorder have similar symptoms, such as:
• Binge Eating
• Revolving life around food
• Eating although full-up
• Anxiety and depression
• Uncontrollable eating habits
• Feeling tormented by food
• Using food to distract from feelings of loneliness, boredom, sadness etc.
It also has its own set of symptoms meaning it can be distinguished as a separate disorder. Such symptoms range from:
• Binge eating at least 2 days a week over a period of 6 months or more.
• Eating in secret, avoiding eating in social situations
• Eating very quickly.
• Fluctuations in weight.
• Low energy levels.
The need to binge or gorge on a large quantity of food over a short period of time is how experts differentiate between the two very similar disorders.
Reasons for this behaviour can stem from a number of different beginnings. It has been reported that up to half of people with a binge eating disorder have suffered with depression in the past. Plus specialists have been researching a link between the disorder and other psychological and impulsive behaviours.
But don’t let this worry you. Every single person is different. If you are worried that you could be suffering with Binge Eating Disorder and the symptoms described match certain behaviours you experience on a regular basis, then consulting your G.P would be the first point of contact.
There are many programs and treatments available. You may wish to do some further research on these; the links at the bottom of the page would be a great place to start.
Again as with all problems and worries we as human beings experience, sometimes the best medicine is to just talk things through, either with a family member, close friend, or by joining a help group either in your own community or online.
Useful Links
www.eating-disorders.org.uk – A website dedicated to providing effective solutions to eating disorders.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk - this website is a support network of UK counselors and psychotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of counseling covered, fees and contact details.
**Disclaimer** - We here at 100% People are not health care professionals. We have researched issues such as the one featured in the above article in detail to bring you the best of the information available to us at the time of print. We can not be held responsible for the health of our readers and would always urge someone to contact their G.P or a qualified specialist before making any change to their diet or lifestyle.
