Binge-eating disorder - Symptoms and causes
Can overeating is an eating disorder?
When an individual consumes an excessive amount of food, feeling powerless to halt the intake, it may indicate a severe eating disorder known as binge-eating disorder.
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While indulging in an extra serving or two at a festive feast is common, some individuals struggle with a more serious issue. When the consumption of copious amounts of food becomes a regular occurrence and proves difficult to control, it qualifies as a binge-eating disorder.
Individuals who have a binge-eating disorder may feel ashamed and determined to overcome their overeating habits. However, the uncontrollable compulsion to binge eat makes it difficult to resist the urge to continue. Fortunately, seeking treatment can prove advantageous for those with a binge-eating disorder.
Is there a disorder for overeating?
Yes, there is a binge eating disorder called binge eating disorder (BED). Binge eating disorder is a recognized psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food over a short period of time, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control over eating. People with binge eating disorder often feel distressed or ashamed about their eating habits and may try to hide it from others.
Binge eating disorder is different from binge eating which occurs occasionally or on special occasions. It is a chronic condition that can lead to various health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. BED affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds and can be treated with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, it's important to see a doctor.
At what point is it disordered eating?
It can be difficult to determine when binge eating becomes an eating disorder because eating habits and behaviors vary from person to person. However, some common signs that may indicate an eating disorder include:
- Obsession with food, calories, or weight
- Excluding certain foods or food groups from your diet
- Skipping meals or eating only small portions
- Eating in secret or hiding food
- Guilt or shame about eating habits
- Using food as a coping mechanism for emotions or stress
- Physical symptoms such as gas, nausea, or abdominal pain after eating
- Engage in compulsive exercise or other behaviors to counteract overeating.
If someone experiences one or more of these symptoms on a regular basis and feels that their eating habits are affecting their physical and mental health, they may have an eating disorder. It is important to note that an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, can be present even if the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder are not met. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about the eating habits of yourself or someone you know.
How do I know if I'm overeating?
Determining whether you're binge eating depends on a variety of factors, such as age, sex, height, weight, and level of physical activity. However, there are some general signs that you may be overeating, such as:
- Eating without feeling hungry or feeling uncomfortably full.
- Eat most of it in one sitting.
- Eating quickly without noticing signs of hunger or fullness.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating.
- Keep eating even when you feel full.
- Eat when you are emotional, stressed, or bored.
- Eating in response to external cues, such as advertisements or social occasions.
If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms frequently and are concerned about your eating habits, keeping a food diary or consulting your doctor may help. Plus, learning to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, practicing mindful eating, and choosing nutrient-dense foods can help you maintain a healthy relationship with food.
How much is considered overeating?
The amount of food that constitutes binge eating can vary based on a number of factors, including age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. As a general guideline, overeating is usually defined as consuming more calories than the body needs to maintain a healthy weight and energy level.
The number of calories each person needs may vary based on these factors, but on average, adult women need about 2000-2200 calories per day and adult men need about 2500-2800 calories per day. Regularly eating more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain, which can increase your risk of health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
While it's difficult to determine the exact amount of food that constitutes binge eating, some general guidelines can help you assess whether you're eating more than your body needs.
For example, a serving of meat, fish, or poultry should be the size of a deck of cards, while a serving of cooked vegetables should be about a half cup. Listening to your body's hunger and fullness signals and stopping eating when you feel full can also help you avoid overeating.