Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers Binge Eating Disorder: Coping Strategies for Women

Overview Millions of women in the U.S. suffer from binge eating disorder, a condition characterized by discrete consumption of excessive amounts of food in a short time period. Serious health problems may result in severe medical complications such as heart disease, etc. It can also point to underlying emotional issues, such as depression. Finding ways to cope with binge eating disorder can help women lead happier, healthier lives.

What is Binge Eating Disorder? Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by the consumption of vast amounts of food in short time periods. It affects both women and men, but women are more likely to develop the disorder. Binges occur on a regular basis and are often a source of great shame to women suffering from this condition. A diagnosis of binge eating disorder involves all of the following: ▪Eating binges that last two hours or less involving more food than the average person would eat. Sufferers feel a loss of control during the binge. ▪Binges occur twice a week for six months. ▪Binges are not associated with anorexia or bulimia. ▪The person feels worried about the condition.

Other Signs of Binge Eating Disorder The person suffering from the disorder feels negative feelings after a binge. The person eats unusually large amounts during the binge. The person eats much faster during binges. The person eats until he or she becomes uncomfortable. The person eats when depressed or bored. The person eats even when not hungry. The person eats alone to keep others from finding out how much food he or she is eating.

Risk Factors For Binge Eating The cause of binge eating disorder is undetermined, but certain factors can put you at risk, such as: ▪ Psychological issues ▪ Long-term dieting ▪ Genetics ▪ Biological factors

Maintaining Positive Eating Habits Maintaining positive eating habits can help binge eaters cope. Some strategies include: ▪ Eating regularly scheduled meals. ▪ Having a trusted person to discuss urges to binge with should the need arise. ▪ Plans to avoid potential triggers of binge eating.

More Coping Strategies ▪ Exercise regularly, but not obsessively. ▪ Maintain a regular sleep schedule. ▪ Write your feelings in a journal. ▪ Have realistic health and diet goals. Binge eating often occurs in the midst of a highly restrictive diet. Setting a slower pace for weight loss may help you avoid binging.

Why It’s Important Binge eating can have a variety of negative health consequences or impact the person’s negatively, including: ▪ Obesity ▪ Increased risk of heart disease ▪ Increase risk of diabetes ▪ Increased risk of high blood pressure

Finding Help For women suffering from binge eating disorder, help from trained medical and psychiatric professionals can help them overcome the disorder. There are a variety of ways to treat the disorder, including: ▪ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ▪ Interpersonal Psychotherapy ▪ Dialectical behavior therapy ▪ Antidepressants ▪ Topamax ▪ Therapies which might include acupuncture and neurofeedback

About Mirasol Recovery Centers Mirasol Recovery Centers, a Tucson, AZ eating disorder treatment organization, works to help people struggling with anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders overcome their challenges and live better lives. We use a comprehensive approach, combining medical, alternative treatment methods to guide our clients to a healthier outlook on eating and life.

For more information visit us at: ▪