Are You a Binge Eater?
Ever wonder if you have a serious problem with binge
eating?
In the Harvard Mental Health Letter, I read a feature article about the treatment of bulimia and binge eating.
Bulimia is defined as 2 or more episodes of binge eating (consuming a large amount 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 alternate 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 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 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 binge eater, but you would have to be binging quite regularly to be considered to have Binge Eating Disorder.
Many people engage in some of these behaviors all the time. People who live alone 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 binge eater.
Many people with binge eating problems think they are overweight or are worried that they will become seriously overweight.
Dieting does not necessarily stop the binging and is often viewed as being part of the problem rather than the solution.
The body resists dieting by slowing metabolism and increasing appetite, commonly accompanied by an intense preoccupation with food, more binging, anxiety and depression.
If you are struggling with bulimia or severe binge 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 binge eating behaviors, join the club and keep reading . . .
You can learn to change all of these behaviors, even mild to moderate binge eating by listening to your body, eating mindfully and being kind to yourself.
Here's to getting the help you need,
Carol
About the Author
Carol Solomon, Ph.D. is a psychologist and personal coach who specializes in helping people who want to lose weight and eliminate food and weight issues.
She is the author of "Lose Weight Now Stay Slim Forever," a practical "how-to" manual for learning to lose weight without dieting.
Lose Weight Now
Homemade face masks
Homemade face masks recipe are fun but messy, so make sure you have plenty of old towels around. Also, before you start, decide where you will rest once the masks is applied. Lying down is the best, as it stops the mask from slipping off the face.
Homemade Clay Face Masks of...
Types Of Acne Treatment Solutions For Your Skin
Treating your acne can be an overwhelming task what with all of the medications available these days. The best way to find treatment for your acne is to first learn about your skin. There are 3 main skin types. Knowing what type of skin you have is the first step to effectively controlling your...
Benzoyl Peroxide - Why You Shouldn't Use It for Adult Acne
Benzoyl peroxide is probably the most common acne fighting
ingredient found in over the counter topical gels, creams and
face washes.
This chemical mixture can be fairly effective topically in
treating very mild acne in my opinion, but it just doesn't cut
it for more severe acne that is...