junk-foodWe have all had times – whether at our cousin’s wedding or an outing with our friends – when we have hogged till our tummies threatened to burst. However, there are people who go through this experience regularly without any control. They are said to suffer from Binge eating disorder.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a condition where the person eats a large amount of food in a relatively short period of time and feels a loss of control while eating. This disorder differs from the other eating disorders in the fact that people who binge eat do not induce vomiting or over-exercise after they have eaten. The reasons for binge eating may vary from genetic causes to social, emotional and environmental factors.

What are the signs of Binge Eating Disorder?

  • Eating frequently

Binge eaters are repeatedly involved in episodes where they eat large amounts of food in short spans of time. In these episodes, they feel a sense of loss of control and are not able to stop eating even if they earnestly want to. These episodes occur at least once a week for 3 months, on an average.

  • Eating continuously

Binge eaters have certain eating habits like eating very quickly, eating beyond the point of fullness, eating even when there is no hunger and eating to a point of discomfort

  • Eating to cope

Binge eating is closely associated with emotions, both before and after the eating episode. Feelings of anger, stress, boredom or depression may trigger an episode. Food often serves as a coping mechanism. Also, a person with a binge eating disorder often feels guilty after their binge eating episode.

  • Eating secretively

Because they feel guilty, binge eaters often eat in secrecy and eat alone.

What are the warning signs of Binge eating disorder?

If a friend or family member displays any of the below signs, he or she may be suffering from binge eating disorder. These signs are:

  • Constant complaints of being bloated or constipated
  • Being tired constantly and not sleeping well
  • Being pre-occupied or being dissatisfied or more sensitive to remarks about body shape, weight, food or eating
  • Feeling guilt, sadness or anxiety after a binge-eating episode
  • Hiding food / food wrappers in the house or hoarding food or spending large amounts of money on food
  • Staying isolated or withdrawing from activities that one previously enjoyed

Over a period of time, binge eating leads to obesity which becomes a major risk factor for further conditions like high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, heart disease, sleep apnea, gall bladder diseases, certain cancers etc.

Hence, if you or your loved one is suffering from binge eating disorder, do get in touch with a doctor today. Binge eating disorder is very closely related to psychological factors. Homeopathic medicines can definitely help one to deal with the stress better. If you found this blog useful, do let us know your thoughts in the section below. If you would like to consider homeopathic medicines for binge eating disorder, get in touch with us today. You can ask to speak with Dr Rajesh Shah’s associate doctors at LifeForce Homeopathy by calling +91-22-66888888. You may email us at info@lifeforce.in.

– Dr Amrita Sodhi, Associate doctor to Dr Rajesh Shah, LifeForce Team

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