The Mandel Center of Arizona - Binge Eating Disorder

Anorexia
Bulimia
Eating Order Not Otherwise Specified
Binge Eating Disorder
Compulsive Over-exercising
Depression
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Couples Counseling

Bulimia

“Most of us overeat from time to time, and some of us often feel we have eaten more than we should have. Eating a lot of food does not necessarily mean that you have binge eating disorder. Experts generally agree that most people with serious binge eating problems often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel their eating is out of control. People with binge eating disorder also may:

Eat much more quickly than usual during binge episodes.
Eat until they are uncomfortably full.
Eat large amounts of food even when they are not really hungry.
Eat alone because they are embarrassed about the amount of food they eat.
Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating.”

“Binge Eating Disorder,” WIN

“Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. It affects about 3 percent of all adults in the United States. People of any age can have binge eating disorder, but it is seen more often in adults age 46 to 55. Binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men; three women for every two men have it. The disorder affects Blacks as often as Whites, but it is not known how often it affects people in other ethnic groups.” – “Binge Eating Disorder,” WIN

“People with binge eating disorder should get help from a health care professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. It also helps them feel better about their body shape and weight.

Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people.

The methods mentioned here seem to be equally helpful. Researchers are still trying to find the treatment that is the most helpful in controlling binge eating disorder. Combining drug and behavioral therapy has shown promising results for treating overweight and obese individuals with binge eating disorder. Drug therapy has been shown to benefit weight management and promote weight loss, while behavioral therapy has been shown to improve the psychological components of binge eating.

Other therapies being tried include dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people regulate their emotions; drug therapy with the anti-seizure medication topiramate; weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery); exercise used alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy; and self-help. Self-help books, videos, and groups have helped some people control their binge eating.” – “Binge Eating Disorder,” WIN

For more information, please see the Weight-control Information Network.