Seeking binge eating disorder treatment is critical because without treatment, serious health problems can result. It can be difficult to stop binge eating, but it is possible with proper treatment.
Binge eating disorder, also known as compulsive overeating, is an eating disorder in which a person regularly consumes large quantities of food at one sitting. They often eat quickly, and do not stop when they are full. They may eat when they feel sad, lonely, angry, or stressed. They feel out of control and can’t stop eating. Eating is comforting. Feelings of guilt and shame often follow a binge.
Binge eating disorder is different than other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, so binge eating disorder treatment is different, as well. With anorexia, a person is underweight from not eating. With bulimia, a person binges, but then they purge, usually by vomiting. They are often underweight, as well. People with binge eating disorder are overweight, often dangerously so.
Medical Risks of Binge Eating Disorder
People with binge eating disorder are at risk for many medical problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart problems, including heart attack
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Respiratory problems
- Kidney problems
- Gastro-intestinal problems
- Arthritis
- Urinary incontinence
Because of the seriousness of these health problems, it is very important to stop binge eating. Most of these problems are reversible (they will go away) when excess weight is lost.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
While people with binge eating disorder want to stop binge eating, it is often hard to ask for help. There is a stigma in our society about being overweight. They are often embarrassed to ask for help for their problem.
Compulsive overeaters need professional help to stop binge eating. Doctors, counselors, and nutritionists work together to help them manage their weight, eating, and feelings. A comprehensive approach like this to binge eating disorder treatment is most likely to be successful.
Doctors address any medical problems caused by being overweight. Doctors may also prescribe medication for depression or anxiety, if appropriate. Some believe that the way the brain uses a chemical called serotonin can contribute to eating disorders such as binge eating, so doctors may prescribe an antidepressant that effects serotonin to address this.
Counselors help people with binge eating disorder learn other ways to manage their feelings. They teach coping skills and new ways to manage stress. They also provide a safe place for binge eaters to talk about their feelings and their frustrations about their disorder.
Nutritionists teach compulsive overeaters about nutrition and healthy eating. They help them develop an eating plan that is realistic and healthy. This is important because many binge eaters, in an attempt to stop binge eating, have tried extreme diets that they could not stick too. Discouraged, they then returned to binge eating. So nutritionists help them design a realistic eating plan.
A support group can also be a helpful component of binge eating disorder treatment. Overeaters Anonymous is a 12 step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous for people with binge eating disorder. It provides an opportunity for binge eaters to get support from others with the same condition and to share their own struggles in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
A comprehensive approach to compulsive eating disorder treatment like the one described above is most likely to be successful. All areas need to be addressed: medical, psychological, nutritional, and social support. This gives a person the best chance at recovery.
As with all eating disorders, treatment can take several months or longer. Eating disorders don’t develop overnight and they aren’t resolved overnight, either. Recovery is possible, however, with the proper treatment.