Binge Eating Disorder
Note: Throughout this information, we use "she" when
referring to a person suffering from binge eating disorder.
However, binge eating is becoming increasingly prevalent
among males. This information on binge eating is also applicable
to men.
Binge eating is very
serious and has an impact on both physical and mental health. Left
untreated, binge eating can lead to severe medical problems
including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
What is Binge Eating?
Binge eating can affect women or men, though it appears
twice as often among women. People with binge eating disorder
suffer from episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing followed
by periods of guilt and depression. Binge eating is marked
by the consumption of large amounts of food, sometimes accompanied
by a pressured, "frenzied" feeling. Binge eating disorder
may cause a person to continue to eat even after she becomes uncomfortably
full.
Binge Eating Warning Signs
There are many warning signs which indicate that someone may be suffering
from binge eating disorder. A person with binge eating
disorder may exhibit one, all, or any combination of these warning
signs. Becoming aware of these warning signs is the first step in
helping someone suffering from binge eating.
Common binge eating warning signs:
- Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry is a
sign of binge eating.
- Eating much more rapidly than normal is a sign of binge eating.
- Eating until the point of feeling uncomfortably full is a sign
of binge eating.
- A person with binge eating disorder may often eat alone
because of shame or embarrassment.
- A person with binge eating disorder has feelings of
depression, disgust, or guilt after eating.
- A person with binge eating disorder has a history of
marked weight fluctuations.
How can I help someone with binge eating disorder?
You may know someone suffering from binge eating disorder.
You may suspect that someone you know has binge eating
disorder but are not certain. You may feel that you are beginning
to exhibit some warning signs for binge eating. What should
you do?
If you feel that you or someone you know may be suffering from
binge eating disorder, it is important to seek professional
counseling as quickly as possible. If untreated, binge eating will become part of a destructive cycle which can continue for years
and cause significant health problems.
Talking to a binge eating treatment professional is the first
step toward successful recovery. For more information on binge eating treatment options in your area, please call The Renfrew
Center at 1-800-RENFREW. Confidentiality
is strictly observed and most insurance plans are accepted.
Binge Eating Resources
The Renfrew Center offers an array of resources concerning binge eating and other eating disorders
including anorexia and bulimia.
For a list of binge eating resources, including books,
magazines, and films on binge eating and other eating disorders,
click here.
This information is provided by The
Renfrew Center Foundation to provide helpful information regarding
binge eating. The Renfrew Center Foundation is dedicated
to supporting research, education, and advocacy in the field of
binge eating treatment and research. To receive a copy
of this information in a printed brochure, please call 1-800-RENFREW.
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