Although it is one of the lesser known eating disorders, binge eating is over three times more common than anorexia and bulimia combined. Binge eating IS the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is classified as frequently consuming large quantities of food in a short amount of time, accompanied by feeling a lack of control.
Some common traits of binge eating include:
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The inability to stop or control what you’re eating
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Eating much more rapidly than normal
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Eating even when you’re full
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Consuming large amounts of food alone
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Eating until you’re uncomfortably full
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Feeling ashamed, disgusted, or guilty afterwards
Most binges happen once a week, however it doesn’t need to happen every a week to be considered binge eating. Health consequences of binge eating can mimic those of clinical obesity. The most common include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type II diabetes, and gallbladder disease among others.
What to do after a binge? Breathe. Everything will be okay. Acknowledging the problem and deciding to take action are the first steps to recovery. Don’t get caught up in self-doubt, as you can only go forward from here and you have already taken the first step. Seek help in the form of a health provider and a support system when needed. Know recovery isn’t perfect. Take it at your own pace, because everyone recovers differently. Mistakes happen sometimes, but don’t get discouraged. Whatever it takes and however long it takes, it’s worth it. Having a positive body image doesn’t happen right away. It takes a lot of effort, and we all are in charge of creating confidence and self-esteem within ourselves.