Binge Eating Disorder Program - Information and Treatment to Stop Binge Eating

Break the all-or-nothing thinking of dieters and emotional eaters with strategies that foster normal eating

Almost one-third of women who seek treatment to lose weight have binge eating disorder (BED). Yet BED -- the most common of the eating disorders - is much less recognized than the eating disorders of anorexia and bulimia.

The typical perception is that a larger person is someone who just eats too much. Yet many larger people suffer from binge eating disorder - a form of emotional eating that overtakes their lives. Indeed, most people develop eating disorders as a coping mechanism for emotions and feelings that are difficult for them to handle.

This article gives information on BED and guides binge eaters in getting help for it.

Defining Binge Eating Disorder

The official definition of BED describes a person who:

• eats very large amounts of food in a rapid manner
• within a short period of time (two hours or so)
• two or more times a week
• for a period of six months or more
• accompanied by a feeling of being out of control

Less frequency or shorter length of time may describe binge eaters, which is a step below BED on an emotional eating scale.

The most important distinction between overeating and binge eating or binge eating disorder is the feeling of being out of control. The feeling of loss of control lies at the core of the reason for BED. Binge eating has become a way to cope with feelings, yet it doesn't really help. Binge eaters have developed a habit of soothing or escaping from emotions through the use of food, but end up exacerbating their uncomfortable feelings in the long run.

Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

Effective treatment for BED requires recognizing the triggers for binge eating. Two of the most common triggers are getting overly hungry and a feeling of deprivation. What does that sound like? A diet, right? Indeed, dieting is thought to strongly exacerbate binge eating for many people who suffer from BED.

This can be seen in the fact that larger people with binge eating disorder often became "obese" at a younger age than larger people without BED. Their history with food includes many instances of yo-yo dieting. It's important to note, though, that people who are not "obese" can also suffer from BED. Likewise, many larger people are not binge eaters.

At the root of binge eating disorder for many people, however, is poor self esteem. For a woman in this society, that often gets translated to excessive concern about appearance or weight, which leads to dieting. Problems with depression, anxiety and relationships also often exist in people with BED.

BED can be a prelude to bulimia, an eating disorder that also often goes unrecognized. Bulimia is the method employed to get rid of the excess food that is ingested during a binge eating episode. The methods include purging, laxative use and excessive exercise.

Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder

The Binge Eating Disorder Association can help you find treatment for BED.  Green Mountain at Fox Run also offers a program to help a woman begin treatment for binge eating disorder. One important thing to recognize is that BED, indeed all eating disorders, can be overcome.