Time to Correct Your Binge Eating !

Have you heard people say they are binge eaters? Binge eating is an eating disorder often characterized by uncontrollable eating. Binge eating, a compulsive overeating disorder is mainly to cope with stress, depression or anxiety. Binge eating is linked to mental disorder as episode of excessive eating is triggered by anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions. Surprisingly, binge eating is not seen only in the obese group but also in people with normal body weight. Binge eating runs in the family who overeat or put an unnatural emphasis on food or eat as a way to soothe or comfort.
      A few symptoms of binge eating are:
• Frequent episodes of eating abnormally large quantities of food
• Unable to judge what or how much to eat
• Eating rapidly than usual
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating when not hungry
• Feelings of guilt/embarrassment/ disgust after overeating
• Fluctuations in weight
• Frequent dieting!
     Binge eating can lead to health complications like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, sleeping disorders or shortness of breath.
      Over eating can be treated by providing emotional support to the binge eaters through psychotherapy. Antidepressants are also given to control anxiety and depression that leads to binge eating. The thinking and behavior of the person towards food is changed. A Dietitian can help individual and the family members restore the normal eating pattern and also teach the importance of balanced diet and nutrition.