Is it an eating disorder or lack of willpower?
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Maggie Baumann, MA: In one of my recent posts I wrote
about
eight common myths associated with eating
disorders. I received a couple of comments about one
myth that is often overlooked.
The myth is:
"Compulsive overeating or binge eating is not
recognized as an
eating disorder but a disorder of no
willpower.
The fact is, binge eating
disorder is one diagnosed category on the continuum of
eating disorders.
In the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM- IV-TR), Binge Eating Disorder is not an officially recognized eating disorder, but is included in the category titled, "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)".
The EDNOS category is a cluster of eating disorders that
don't meet the full criteria for the two main types of eating
disorders --
anorexia and
bulimia.
How Common is Binge Eating Disorder?
According to statistics from the National Eating Disorder
Association, binge eating disorder is the most common eating
disorder, affecting approximately three percent of all adults in
the United States. About 60 percent of those struggling are women
and 40 percent are men.
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, during which the person is overwhelmed with the loss of control over his or her eating. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder is not followed by any type of purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise or fasting. Because of the high calorie intake (sometimes thousands and thousands of calories in one sitting), many binge eaters are overweight or obese. However, binge eaters can also be of normal or heavier than average weight if the calorie intake is not as excessive.
It's quite common for people in the general population to dismiss binge eating as a moralistic judgment of someone who has no willpower to stop eating when hunger cues are satisfied. This viewpoint is misleading and incorrect. Like anorexia and bulimia, binge eating disorder is a psychological disorder that also manifests in many physical complications.
Complications Associated with Binge Eating
People who are overweight and also have binge eating disorder are
at risk for:
Physical Health Consequences
•High blood pressure
•Diabetes
•Heart disease
•Gallbladder disease
•Obesity
•Menstrual irregularities
•Certain types of cancers
•Stoke
•Complications during pregnancy
•Arthritis
Psychological Health Consequences
Binges can be viewed as a coping mechanism to deal with daily
stresses and feelings. The psychological factors that can be
associated with binge eating disorder include:
•Depression
•Anxiety
•And other mood disorders
•Low self-esteem
•Substance abuse
•Suicidal thoughts
Treatment Options
People with binge eating disorder should get help from a mental
health professional and registered
dietitian who specializes in eating disorder treatment. Of
course, binge eaters most often benefit from a supervised weight
loss program that includes a balanced exercise plan. However, due
to the psychological factors embedded in this disorder, binge
eaters should also include eating disorder therapy as part of the
comprehensive treatment plan.
Among of the successful treatment therapies offered
include:
•Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
•Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
•Interpersonal therapy
•Medication therapy
Seek Help if You Struggle with Binge Eating
Just know you are not alone. Binge eating disorder is not about a
lack of willpower, it is a disorder that affects both the mind and
body.
Getting professional help is the first step in overcoming this
disorder. The good news is most people who do well in treatment can
overcome binge eating.
Treatment Resources Across the United
States
You can find professionals who treat binge eating disorder by
accessing either one of these websites: EdReferral.com or
the National
Eating Disorders Association.
Maggie Baumann, M.A., is a marriage family therapist intern working as a counselor in a private practice in Newport Beach as well as at The Victorian in Newport Beach, a residential treatment facility providing care to women struggling with eating disorders, addictions and body image. Maggie has written for various publications and appeared on national television promoting eating disorder awareness and prevention. She also facilitates two eating disorder support groups in Orange County, one in Newport Beach and the other in Laguna Beach. You can reach Maggie by email or visit her website at MaggieBaumann.com.
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Read more: http://www.momlogic.com/2009/10/binge_eating_disorder.php#ixzz0Ulyq232L
