Binge eating disorder can be just as crippling as anorexia and bulimia. Unlike bulimics, people who suffer from binge eating disorder do not purge, which can lead to significant weight gain. According to Dr. Katherine Halmi of New York Presbyterian Hospital, almost 90 percent of those with binge eating disorder suffer from obesity as a result. This obesity, says Halmi, is exacerbated by crash dieting. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for binge eating disorder. Once the disorder is controlled, weight loss is often a natural result.
Step 1
Get rid of the binge food in your house and resist buying more. Having a trusted friend or family member go to the grocery store with you can help keep you on track. If you still feel you must eat in large quantities, choose fruits, vegetables and salads that provide nutrients and fiber to help you feel sated.
Step 2
Distract yourself when you feel a binge coming on, preferably with exercise. Leave your house and walk or bike to a friend's place for support. Exercise has the added benefit of releasing appetite-suppressing hormones.
Step 3
Find a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. This short-term treatment teaches you coping skills to deal with binges.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment with a dietitian. Some binge eaters benefit from a prescribed meal plan. Your dietitian can help you plan a healthy weight-loss diet.
Step 5
Seek inpatient eating disorder treatment if your problem is severe and does not respond to lifestyle changes. A therapist or psychiatrist can help you find a treatment program that is right for you.
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