Binge eating disorder

Binge eating is when you eat a large amount of food over a short time and feel that it is beyond your control. It may not be a cause of concern when it happens once in a while. However, it becomes a problem when you are unable to control yourself when overeating. You may also become sad, worried, or feel guilty after an episode of binge eating.

You may have a binge eating disorder if you;

• Eat large amounts of food (more than usual) over a short period of time, repeatedly.
• Feel you are unable to control your own eating and hiding it from others.
• Eat even when you're full or not hungry until you become uncomfortable.

Active disease can cause complications like social isolation, excessive weight gain, mood alteration and obesity-related diseases.

Binge eating has no clear cause but various factors may increase your risk of the disorder. They include the following:

• Mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, or stress are common in people who binge eat.
• Pressure from friends after you have lost weight may make you want to binge eat.
• You may start binge eating to recover your weight after you have lost weight. This is common in people who are body shamed.
• A bad experience like the loss of a family member or sexual abuse may make you binge eat. You may binge eating as a way of grieving.
• Changes in your brain may make you want to eat more.
• You may binge eat when you have close relatives who also binge eat.

• Family history of eating disorders.
• Dieting to improve feelings of self-worth.
• Mood disorders.

Visit your doctor if you notice any of the following that shows that your binge eating is becoming more serious:

• Binge eating affects your daily activities.
• You find it hard to stop eating even when you are full or not hungry.
• You develop complications from binge eating such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You have eating problem symptoms such as eating very fast, eating secretly, or forgetting what you eat.

There is no known way to prevent binge eating disorder. Developing a healthier behaviour and getting professional help can prevent harm.

Binge eating becomes difficult to manage when you become more addicted. Treatment or management options may include:

Self-Care Tips

• Prepare a food timetable to ensure you eat well and adequately.
• Eat slowly. If you eat slowly, you won’t over-eat.
• Keep a good company that would not make you feel bad about how you look.

Treatment Options

• Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines that help reduce one’s appetite.
• You may also have therapy sessions that will help you look for what causes your binge eating. Knowing the cause makes it easier to manage your binge eating.

We all do not have the same body size so you should not be worried if you are thin. Or if you are pressured by friends and family to add weight. You can also work on your diet, eat regularly but do not overeat. Exercising may also help you to have a good body shape. Also, try to get enough sleep to keep you refreshed.