The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: The New Eating Disorder

The relationship between obesity and binge eating affects the mind and remember that Obesity is a medical illness, not a psychiatric disorder.

Overweight and obesity have been characterized with poor and unhealthy feeding habits among other factors. We have in the past dwelt much on the effects of obesity and overweight because of the dangers surrounding the two conditions. For the purpose of this article we want to look at the relationship between obesity and binge eating. We will be exploring the possibilities of binge eating facilitating being obese or overweight. And as professionals we are determined to informing the public of all they need to know to be safe and have a healthy life. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center about this and she will be helping us unlock certain facts about the relationship between obesity and binge eating. But before we get there, let us try to understand more about this eating disorder. Experts are warning that if nothing is not done soon, then Top of Form Binge Eating Disorder (BED) will soon join in the ranks of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) as official eating disorders. It must be appreciated that Binge Eating Disorder is a distinct entity and not just the extreme overeating that plagues many societies. Even though its cause is unclear, it is similar to Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa, whose treatment methodology is always bio-psycho-social.

As a society we have a duty on our part to increase awareness and understanding of the severity of this disorder. The danger looms over us with close association of BED and obesity, the sooner we address it the better because very soon this disorder is becoming a major public health issue that presents both medical and psychiatric issues that impair the quality of life. Even though binge eating is characterized by insatiable cravings that can occur any time of the day or night, usually secretive, and filled with shame. It is important to note that bingeing is often rooted in poor body image, use of food to deal with stress, low self-esteem and tied to dysfunctional thoughts. BED does not exist in the presence of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Although there are similar characteristics between those with BN and BED, those with BED do not purge. There are no compensatory mechanisms associated with the binge to get rid of the calories, so individuals with BED are more likely to be overweight or obese, while patients with BN may be under weight, normal weight or overweight.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Does this describe you?

It is in the middle of the night and you this ice cream carton in hand, and you can’t just stop eating, you continue until every drop is gone. Or you are in the car you’re anxiously looking for that bag of pretzels you hid in the back seat. You know you will have to finish the entire bag, even though you don’t want to. And as if this is not enough, you’re planning your next stop at the local convenient store to load up on a dozen doughnuts which is your favorite binge food. Doctor Akoury is trying to make you understand what binge eating is all about. She give one of the best illustration that it is as addictive as alcohol drinking or cigarette smoking. Those who use there drugs wouldn’t just stop even if they want to. It is in the same way that binge eaters can’t stop at one cookie or ice cream.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: What does BED look like?

This vicious cycle of recurrent bingeing without purging brings feelings of despair, disgust, and a sense of loss of control. As a consequence of the binge, fears become reality and weight gain follows. As a result, emotional and physical distress can become so severe that work, school and even social relationships begin to be impaired.

Differentiating between overeating and binge eating is sometimes difficult, even for the eating disorder professionals. Compulsive eating, emotional eating are terms that have been around for years. BED is a distinct entity and not merely the occasional craving, over-eating when you are hungry, or the overindulgence during the holidays. It is important to appreciate that each binge is different, just as every craving is different, and every binge eater is different but the scenario is the same.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Criteria for Diagnosis of BED

You can carry out your own self-assessment while considering the following to certain your position in terms of BED:

• Loss of control over amount of eating
• Marked distress over binge episode
• Occurs at least 1x per week for 3 month
• Eating more rapidly than normal (i.e. 2 hrs. period
• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
• Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
• Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty over after overeating

If this suits your description, then you need to seek for further and more professional help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Biological Issues Related to BED

Now that we are well conversant with what binge eating is let us get back to our topic of discussion which is the relationship between obesity and binge eating. You should be very watchful of the following:

Genetics – Although genes can make it harder to make healthy choices and make fighting weight and BED an uphill battle, genes alone do not totally determine a person’s physical or emotional destiny. Environment, ability to rework thoughts, make other decisions, etc. are also factors.

Depression – The incidence of depression is very high in individuals with BED and may need to be further evaluated.

Restrictive dieting – If you have BED, sticking to a traditional weight loss program may be difficult.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: BED is a treatable disorder

Here are some basic goals for a successful outcome:

• Decrease or better still stop binging episodes. It is possible and with determination, you do it.
• With the help of weight loss experts you can be assisted to attain and maintain a healthy weight
• Treat any co-existing psychiatric disorders
• Correct any self-defeating thoughts, feelings, behaviors or situations that trigger a binge.

What is the relationship between BED and being obese or over-weight?

Obesity is a medical illness, not a psychiatric disorder – It is important to understand that if you are healthy (no medical problems), have a healthy attitude (realistic about weight , body image) and have healthy behaviors (healthy eating habits, moderate exercise) then for the most part, whatever weight you are and can sustain is a healthy weight for you. Wellness not weight should be the determining factor. Body mass index (BMI), which defines overweight and obesity, is just one factor, not the sole determining factor for wellness.

Being overweight or obese does NOT mean you have BED – Not everyone who is overweight binges or has BED. Considering what is normal in most culture, giant portion size, sedentary life style and high caloric fast foods, a person doesn’t have to binge to be overweight. And that is why you need to get professional help from the experts. What is normal could be a serious factor in the whole equation. Therefore make appoint of scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury for further deliberation about binge eating and overweight or obesity.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: The New Eating Disorder