Why Do I Binge Eat?
While just about everyone overeats occasionally, some people suffer with a condition that causes them to consistently overeat. This condition is known as binge eating and can be very serious. If you are one of the many people who wrestle with this issue, you may realize you have a problem but may be asking yourself: why do I binge eat?
Binge eating, also called compulsive eating, is a psychological eating disorder that causes a person to consume large amounts of food in a short period of time. Typical symptoms of binge eating include: feeling like you cannot stop eating, eating very rapidly, eating so much you feel painfully full, feeling comforted by the food, eating alone or hiding while eating so others do not see how much you eat, and feeling ashamed or depressed after the binge. Unlike with other eating disorders, there is no purging of the food or fat and calories consumed from the overeating. Most people who binge eat are not overweight, however some do develop weight problems later in life. Like with other eating disorders (such as bulimia and anorexia), professional treatment is the only way to overcome this disorder.
Binge eating commonly starts in the late teen and early adult years. More women tend to develop the condition than men, and it is present in about two percent of all women. It is estimated that twenty-five percent of obese people binge eat. While no one knows for sure what causes binge eating, it has been shown to be hereditary. Having overweight parents, environmental factors (such as social perception about body size), as well as emotional stresses, being a perfectionist, and anxiety play a large role in the disorder. Dieting, especially strict or crash dieting, can trigger binge eating as well.
You do not have to suffer with binge eating. Treatment options are available and people have shown great improvement with the disorder after seeking professional help. Most commonly, counseling is recommended to correct the underlying issue that causes the binge eating. In certain cases, medication may be prescribed to treat anxiety or depression symptoms, and some people will require both counseling and medication to overcome the disorder and get back to leading a healthy life. Treatment programs may take years to yield complete recovery results. It is important to take both the disorder and the treatment seriously. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to speak up and to seek the proper help.
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