Mind-Boggling Binge Eating Facts That Most Of Us Don’t Know
Binge eating is a type of disorder that is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming huge quantities of food beyond the point of being full at a very fast pace and at irregular intervals (usually every 2 hours). In essence, binge is considered as loss of control and then followed by negative emotions, most of which are shame and guilt.
In terms of eating disorders, binge eating is different from anorexia nervosa or bulimia as those who are suffering from this condition don’t take any actions to counteract the adverse effects like driven exercise, induced vomiting, and taking of laxatives.
Read further as we are going to tackle some mind-boggling binge eating facts that most of us don’t know.
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It’s Not Classified As An Eating Disorder Until Recently
Previously, the topic of binge eating disorder is often shunned upon as most of us would often assume that it has something to do with discipline and self-control. Until in 2013, it was formally classified by the scientific community and mental health experts as a type of eating disorder – a condition that can be treated by proper intervention.
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5% Of American Adults Suffer From BED
Currently, there are over 5% of American adults who are suffering from BED. And unfortunately, doctors and mental health professionals fail to detect the early signs and symptoms.
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Shame Is A Primary Factor In BED
It’s no secret that the dieting is often glamorized and associated with feelings of determination, perseverance, willpower, and control. Therefore, it’s quite understandable that BED is usually connected with feelings of shame and embarrassment.
And this is the reason why people who suffer from this often engage in binge eating in isolation, even to the extent that they are keeping it a secret to their friends and family.
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Heightened Emotions Also Play A Big Role In Experiencing BED
Some people see binge eating as a form of medication or as a way to appease negative feelings and/or unwanted emotions. It is abnormal in the sense that these people see bingeing as an approach to eliminate undesirable emotions, and indeed it works, but only for a short period – which often leads to a vicious cycle that can bear bad consequences in the long run.
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It Can Also Be A Result Of Dieting Or Restrictive Eating
Finally in this binge eating facts list, BED can also be the result of people who set strict rules on their diet like “I’m not allowed to eat this…” or “I only have to restrict my food choices to these food groups…”
Such restraint can backfire as the person feels frustrated, deprived, and downright hungry. And as a result, they are forced to abandon the rules they have set for a short period with the condition that they’ll “be good” the next day after.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the binge eating facts that most of us don’t know. We hope that you find this post helpful enough to find your way (or someone else’s way out) of this eating disorder for good. You can also check out Dr. Judson Brewer’s binge eating app or visit GoEatRightNow.com to help you combat this bad eating habit.
