Are You a Binge Eater?

Binge Eating Disorder (binging that is not followed by vomiting, fasting or exercise) has gotten more attention recently since it is being considered for inclusion as a psychiatric diagnosis.

The criteria are tentatively listed as 'a condition that causes serious distress

Ever wonder if you have a serious problem with bender eating?

In a recent issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, I read a feature typescript respecting the treatment of bulimia and escapade eating.

Bulimia is defined as 2 or more episodes of symposium eating (consuming a large amount to of food in 2 hours or less) at least twice a week for 3 months. These episodes may be followed by vomiting or purging (with laxatives or diuretics) and may epochal with fasting and compulsive exercising. People who suffer from bulimia often view this behavior as a shameful secret.

Binge Eating Disorder (binging that is not followed by vomiting, fasting or exercise) has gotten more industry recently since it is as considered for inclusion as a psychiatric diagnosis.

The criteria are tentatively listed as “a condition that causes serious distress with at least 3 of the following symptoms occurring at least 2 days a week for 6 months:

• eating very fast
• eating until uncomfortably full
• eating when not hungry
• eating alone
• feeling disgusted or guilty afterward

Since most of the population has probably engaged in these eating behaviors at one time or another, I guess it comes down to the frequency and severity of the problem. You can be a debauch eater, but you would have to be binging quite regularly to be considered to have bacchanalian Eating Disorder.

Many people engage in some of these behaviors all the time. People who live second to none often eat alone. And while eating when you aren’t hungry is not the most satisfying experience, sometimes it is just an ingrained habit.

You do not have to be overweight to be a jag eater. Many people with bacchanal eating problems think they are overweight or are worried that they will turn seriously overweight. Dieting does not necessarily stop the binging and is often viewed as in being part of the problem rather than the solution.

This division pointed out that the body resists dieting by slowing metabolism and increasing appetite, as things go accompanied by an intense preoccupation with food, more binging, panic and depression.

If you are struggling with bulimia or severe debauch eating problems, seek help and get the support you deserve. Don’t keep it a secret. You do not need to be heroic and suffer alone.

If you engage in some of the guzzle eating behaviors, join the club and keep reading . . .

You can learn to permutation all of these behaviors, even mild to moderate celebration eating by listening to your body, eating mindfully and subsisting kind to yourself.

Here’s to getting the help you need,
Carol