1. Define and Diagnose the Problem
Eating in secret until you're sick with feelings of no control are classic symptoms of binge eating. A binge eater will also feel a sense of powerlessness, disgust, shame and an inclination to reach for food to escape stress or anxiety. Depression can trigger a binge. Weight gain accompanies binge eating and can create a vicious cycle of more binging from sadness over weight. Stockpiling and sneaking food is common. Consult a professional psychiatrist, eating disorder specialist or nutritionist. Getting help to treat binge eating is a courageous step. A professional can locate the behavioral or emotional source to find the appropriate binge eating treatment.
2. Therapy Can Help
Several therapies are successful treatments for binge eating disorder. An interpersonal approach focuses on the present or past relationship issues that contribute to obsessive, compulsive eating. In this modality, a therapist discusses communication skills and a commitment to healthy interactions with friends and family members in a safe environment. Cognitive and behavioral therapies allow the patient to build an awareness of thoughts and behaviors that trigger binge eating. The therapy involves making a habit of identifying the thoughts with alternative ways to react.
3. Medications Show Promise
Although drug research for binge eating disorder treatment is new, patients are benefiting from various options. Antidepressants for treatment of binge eating disorder decrease the emotional discontent that leads to a compulsive binge. Studies of Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and Celexa show that binge eating episodes decreased or stopped after consistent use. Appetite suppressants, such as Meridia, are prescribed to reduce binge eating and encourage weight loss.
4. Find Social Support
Finding other people to relate to is key to for binge eating treatment. Group therapy sessions, led by a therapist, focus on coping strategies and healthy eating accomplishments. Support groups are also available and typically led by volunteers, recovered binge eating victims or nutrition and health professionals. Here, members share advice and support each other in and outside the scheduled meeting times.
5. Helping Someone Else
Warning signs and symptoms give friends and family members the opportunity to reach out to someone suffering from binge eating. Early treatment makes recovery more successful and long lasting. Encouraging someone with kindness and genuine caring may give the person the courage to seek help. Warning signs of binge eating include empty wrappers and packaging and hidden stashes of snacks and desserts. Binge eaters eat normally around other people. Unexplained weight gain is also a warning sign.
Parents should be watching for any body image messages they send their children. Women with children who have body image issues of their own should find ways to improve them through healthy diet, exercise and professional therapy.
