Binge Eating Disorder is Serious, and It's Treatable

For most of us, occasionally overindulging at mealtime is okay—we simply move on. But for some people, it’s not that simple. For those who suffer from binge eating disorder, overeating brings on feelings of deep shame and self-loathing. People with the disorder feel like they lose control when they eat; they may also eat too quickly, eat beyond feeling full to the point where they’re uncomfortable, and hide their binges from others. In other words, meals and snacks become minefields of physical and emotional stressors. So, ask yourself these questions: Do I regularly consume a lot more food than most people would in a similar time period? Do I feel out of control during an episode of bingeing? Do I feel very upset after binge eating? Have I binged at least once a week for the past three months? If this sounds familiar, see your doctor. It’s not a “choice” or a “phase;” it’s a serious medical condition which is associated with mood disorders, anxiety and depression. The good news is that BED is treatable. So if you’re concerned that your eating is out of hand, don’t try to tough it out—get help!