​What is binge eating disorder and how to fix it?

Are you someone who eats even when you’re not hungry? Does an ‘uncontrollable’ urge make you eat one snack after another and the cycle goes on? If such ‘comfort eating’ has become a daily habit for you then you might need to pay attention, because it can be a binge eating disorder.

In simple terms, binge eating means consuming large amounts of food, with a feeling like you can’t stop. The concept is very similar to binge watching a series, where you keep on moving to the next episode, without stopping. According to Cleveland Clinic, Binge eating disorder (BED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by chronic, compulsive overeating.
For someone who’s suffering from binge eating disorder, it can feel like they’re being controlled by emotions to eat more. While binge eating once in a while may not be called a disorder, if it happens once a week or more, you may be suffering from it, as noted by Cleveland Clinic.

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Binge eating disorder is highly influenced by psychological and physiological factors. The triggers can differ for everyone. Some can be influenced by hormones, while others may be linked to meet unmet needs.
According to an expert piece by Columbia University, binge eating disorder can have physical and psychological health consequences, if professional intervention is not involved. It can lead to a number of other complications including obesity and gut related issues that affect the whole body.

Being treated from binge eating disorder means to get back to healthy eating habits. However, several factors also influence recovery, including mental health conditions.
While self-practices like controlling oneself, eating balanced meals can help. However, sometimes professional guidance becomes necessary. These include psychological therapy, which may include talk therapy and sometimes doctors prescribe certain medications to overcome the disorder.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.