Binge eating disorder (BED) involves consuming abnormally large amounts of food (usually junk food) quickly. People with BED eat rapidly, barely chewing their food before swallowing and taking another bite. They report feeling disassociated from themselves during a BED episode and typically lose track of how much they have actually consumed. However, unlike individuals with binge and purge eating disorders, those with BED do not force themselves to vomit after eating.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Binge Eating?
People with BED are usually overweight or obese because they binge on high-calorie, high-fat junk food. A person may consume a whole package of cookies, a gallon of ice cream, and several bags of potato chips in one BED episode. Some individuals with BED may have two episodes in one week. Others may have three or more BED episodes every week.
Gaining weight is a direct cause of high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Poor nutrition exacerbates these diseases. Unless treated with psychotherapies and antidepressant medication, binge eating disorder can lead to multiple health problems such as:
- Acid reflux/GERD
- Tooth decay/cavities/gum disease
- Constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome
- Joint degeneration due to obesity and poor diet
- Infertility (endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
BED is frequently co-morbid with psychological issues, including major depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, and self-injury behaviors.
Are You Recovering From Binge Eating Disorder?
The Vitality Weight Loss Institute specializes in providing science-based nutrition counseling and nutrition classes to help anyone develop a personalized, healthy weight loss program. Losing weight while getting treatment for BED will not only improve physical health but mental health and mood as well. Call us today to learn more about nutrition counseling and how we can provide positive support during BED treatment.
