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What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

What exactly is binge eating disorder? It is defined as consuming large quantities of food within a very short period of time until the person feels uncomfortably full and/or sick. It is similar to bulimia except there is no form of purging involved following a binge episode.

Those who suffer from binge eating disorder usually feel out of control during an episode followed by guilt and shame afterwards. Most people who experience these binges use food as a way to numb themselves in order to deal with emotions that they are unwilling or unable to deal with.

Because we live in such a hurried, stress-laden society, binge eating has become more and more common. It is a way to cope with excess frustration, anger, anxiety, or grief. The majority of people who have binge eating disorder may suffer from chronic depression and other serious emotional problems.

Do you have binge eating disorder? There are certain symptoms that signify you may have the disorder if they occur more than occasionally.

-Eating too much food too quickly.

-Eating very large amounts of food whether you are hungry or not.

-Eating until you are sick or miserable.

-Feel excessive shame, guilt, disgust, anger and/or depression after bingeing.

-Know that your eating is raging out of control and feel helpless to do anything about it.

If you do suspect you have binge eating disorder, you are not alone. In the United States, it is the most common eating disorder. Most people who suffer from the disorder are severely obese but it can affect anyone. It is more common in women than in men.

Do you think you are a binge eater? If so, what can you do? The first words of advice are to avoid unhealthy diet practices like skipping meals, eating only certain foods, drastically limiting calories and/or cutting out foods that you love to eat.

These practices are unhealthy and dangerous and should never be used if you are trying to lose weight. The only path to effective and permanent weight loss is to follow a healthy diet and exercise program.

If you are challenged by a healthy weight loss regimen and suffer from depression, anxiety or other emotional issues, it is wise to seek professional advice from someone who specializes in the eating disorder field. They can help you find the right path to wellness.

There are many dangers associated with eating disorders, binge eating disorder, being no different. Binge eaters suffer from frequent illnesses due to the large volume of sugars and fats that they consume. These types of foods do not provide any nutrient value for the body, causing the body to break down.

This, in turn, increases the risk for many chronic diseases and conditions. The more you indulge in binge eating and the more overweight you are, the more you increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

If you suffer from binge eating disorder and feel helpless, remember, there IS help for you. Never be afraid to ask for it. There are professionals who are trained specifically in the area of eating disorders who are dedicated to helping you overcome the disease. Most people who seek professional treatment do very well.

About the Author

Debra Gropp makes money on the Internet by doing everything from paid surveys to working for affiliate programs. Her articles pertain to online income opportunities and health-related issues. To learn more about Debra, click here.

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