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 When we think of binge
eating, we usually think of someone
who struggles with weight, right? But studies show that many ‘normal
weight' people, especially college women, are binge
eaters. So how do we know if we, or our daughters are binge
eaters? And why do we care if it doesn't lead to obesity?
Defining Binge Eating
According to psychological criteria, binge eating is characterized
by:
- eating amounts of food larger than most people would
consider normal within a 2-hour period
- a sense of loss of control during
these eating periods, and
- at least three of the following symptoms:
- eating much more rapidly than normal
- eating until uncomfortably
full
- eating large amounts of
food when not feeling physically hungry
- eating alone because
of embarrassment about the quantity of food being eaten
- feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed
or guilty after eating
If a person purges or excessively exercises after such an
eating episode, bulimia may be the problem, which is an eating
disorder characterized by binge eating followed by vomiting
or exercising to ‘get rid' of the calories.
Consequences of Binge Eating in the
College Woman Even though studies show many binge eating college women
don't struggle with weight, the fact is that many more
do. And the longer binge eating occurs, the more likely we
are to gain unhealthful weight as a result. Unhealthful weight
can increase risk for a variety of problems including type
2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even some
types of cancer.
Very different from the occasional overeating episode, which
is part of normal eating, binge eating has psychological
consequences also. People with binge eating disorder may
also become depressed; research shows they report more problems
with stress, trouble sleeping and more suicidal thoughts
than people without eating disorders. Binge eaters often
feel badly about themselves and isolate themselves to binge
eat, missing work, school and social activities.
Treating Binge Eating in the College Woman
Binge eating is usually considered as a coping strategy
gone wrong. That is, it's something a person engages
in to help herself manage a problem such as stress, poor
body image or the like. Food serves as a source of comfort;
large amounts of food may be used to ‘bury' uncomfortable
feelings.
Goals of treatment for binge eating include:
- Identifying thinking distortions, including all
or nothing thinking and perfectionism
- Reconnecting with the body and
feelings, including hunger cues to distinguish between
physical and emotional
hunger
- Improving body image and self
esteem
- Learning self-care
The self-help book Overcoming Binge Eating by Dr.
Christopher Fairburn lists steps to Stop
Binge Eating. If these steps don't work for you or your
loved one, seek professional help in the Treatment
For Binge Eating Disorders. Binge eating in the college
woman can be overcome.
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