1. Calorie Overload
Binge eating is a condition when you compulsively overeat. While most people eat 1,500 to 3,000 calories in a day, binge eaters gulp down 10,000 to 20,000 during a single binge. Unlike bulimia, people who binge eat don't induce vomiting afterward. Thus, many of them are overweight. There are also several emotional and behavioral signs of binge eating. You often eat alone, hoard food, hide empty containers, feel out of control, anxious or depressed.
2. Admitting Problem
Binge eating doesn't usually get better on its own. It can actually get worse without medical care. Binge eating can take over your life. You may feel distracted about food, embarrassed to participate in outings with friends or you may miss work or school. It's important to talk to your family doctor or a psychologist immediately for help overcoming binge eating. If you're too embarrassed to do so, confide in a family member, friend or mentor. This is the first step toward getting treatment.
3. Battery of Tests
Doctors use several tests to diagnose a binge eating disorder and eliminate other eating disorders. There is usually a physical exam, including body mass index, lab tests with a complete blood count and a psychological evaluation. The doctor will also do other tests to determine whether the binge eating has caused additional health complications.
4. Complications Galore
Binge eating can greatly reduce your quality of life, especially if someone alternates between yo-yo dieting and binge eating. People who binge eat don't enjoy it. They're upset and distressed. These feelings can lead to other psychological issues. In addition to anxiety and depression, complications of binge eating include panic attacks, heart disease, stroke, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, headache and joint pain.
5. Treating For Better Eating
Binge eating disorder treatment will help you stop the destructive behavior and improve your emotional well-being. You may even lose weight during the process. Psychotherapy helps you change your negative behaviors into positive ones and you get more control over your actions. Another option is to take antidepressants. They can help you beat binge eating episodes by improving your self image. Once you beat your binge eating habit, your doctor may recommend you go to a doctor-supervised weight loss program.
