What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Introduction

A lot of us find comfort in eating. Furthermore, most people periodically overindulge in food at special events.

On the other hand, a person with binge eating disorder has a special relationship with food. Even when they feel uncomfortable full, they think they have little control over how much they consume. For several months, they also went on at least one weekly binge.

For many people with binge eating disorders, food can be a comfort, a source of solace, or a way to get rid of melancholy symptoms. After a binge, it can, however, also have the reverse effect, resulting in discomfort, guilt, and worry. Overweight people make up a large portion of binge eaters. Those who maintain a healthy weight, however, are equally susceptible to binge eating problems.

Signs & Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

A lot of binge eaters experience depression and are generally unhappy with their weight.

An individual with binge eating disorder may also:

• eat a lot of food quickly; hide food containers or wrappers in their room; see noticeable changes in weight
• Skip meals, eat by yourself, or eat at strange times (such late at night).
• Emotions that are typical of many eating disorders, such as depression, anxiety, guilt, or shame, can be experienced by binge eaters. People with binge eating disorders or those who have experienced weight loss or changes in their body type may avoid social situations at work, school, or with friends.
• Parents may immediately notice something is wrong when their toddler or adolescent child binges and a large amount of food disappears from the pantry or refrigerator.

What Leads to Food Binges?

The precise etiology of binge eating disorder is uncertain. But a number of things, including genetics, eating habits passed down via families, emotions, and eating habits like skipping meals, are most likely to cause. Some use food as a sedative or as a way to deal with difficult feelings.

An increased likelihood of co-occurring mental health conditions such depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD is seen in individuals with binge eating disorder.

It's difficult to estimate how many teenagers engage in binge eating. Because of this, those who experience guilt or embarrassment frequently refrain from talking about or seeking assistance for their binge eating.

How Is the Disorder of Binge Eating Diagnosed?

A physician would probably interrogate a child or teenager in great detail about their food habits and medical history if they were suspected of having binge eating disorder. In addition, the doctor will inquire about dietary choices, mental problems, and medical history.

The doctor may recommend laboratory tests after an examination to check for diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea, which are associated with weight gain.

When diagnosing binge eating disorder, mental health professionals and medical professionals look for signs such as:

• feeling out of control when it comes to eating and consuming more food than the normal person eats in a given length of time.
• Binge eating occurred at least once a week on average for at least three months. Relationships between binge eating and:
• Eating in secret or by themselves, eating more quickly than normal, eating till they are uncomfortable, eating a lot of food when they are not hungry, and feeling bad, guilty, or disgusted about how much they eat

How is the Disorder of Binge Eating Handled?

It is ideal for a team of a therapist, doctor, and dietitian to treat binge disorders. Treatment includes medical care, advice on nutrition, and talk therapy (individual, group, and family). In order to treat mental health issues like anxiety or sadness that are connected to binge eating, the doctor could prescribe medication.

It may be difficult for someone who binges to ask for help because they feel bad about overindulging or being overweight. Many teens who binge eat wait until they are older to seek therapy. However, seeking treatment early increases a person's likelihood of avoiding weight-related health issues.

How Can Parents Offer Assistance?

If you think your kid may have binge eating problem, talk to your doctor. The doctor may recommend mental health professionals who focus on treating eating disorders in kids and teenagers.

Remind your child that you are available to help or just to listen. Keep a healthy relationship with eating and exercise to provide a good example for others. Never reward yourself with food.

Your youngster can lose weight by heeding the advice provided.

• Don't skip any meals. Make a regular schedule for your meals and snacks. People are more likely to overeat when they are truly hungry.

• Consume food mindfully. Encourage your youngster to watch what they eat and to tell you when they're full.

• Identify the causes. Assist your child in exercising self-control or avoiding situations that might lead to binge eating. Some of the better ways to manage stress are to write, dance, sing, create, and spend time with friends. Additionally, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing techniques can help your child.

Take part as a family. Regular exercise might help your child feel better and control their weight better.

Conclusion

If your child suffers from binge eating disorder, you might be able to obtain help by using an online counseling service such as TalktoAngel. TalktoAngel's qualified and experienced Online counsellor

can help your child beat this illness and go on to have a happy, healthy life in the future.