HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES TO OVERCOME BINGE EATING?
distraction from the negative.
“Common foods include chocolate, crisps, sweets, and other foods that are considered to be a ‘treat’ or ‘naughty’.”
Alexia says people with the disorder often report carbohydratebased binges too.
“One reason for this could be that the ingestion of carbohydrates increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to other amino acids, leading to increased serotonin.
“Serotonin is a chemical that has been found to alleviate low mood and anxiety, so it makes sense that in times of stress, we crave foods that can boost these ‘happy’ hormones.
“Also, as these types of food are (often) considered ‘naughty’, the person binge eating can then feel guilty about their bingeing. ‘Treat’ foods are usually high in calories too, so if a person engages in stress eating regularly, their weight can increase and this can take a further knock on their self-esteem.”
Experts say that every case is different, and binges can either be spontaneous, or they may become a regular habit involving the person buying ‘special’ binge foods for this purpose.
The causes of BED are unknown but a few factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as having a family history of eating disorders, or a history of dieting or restricting calories.
FORTUNATELY, experts say there are plenty of strategies people can try to help reduce and manage episodes of binge eating.
However, while self-care tips can be helpful, it’s important to remember that seeking an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is important for all eating disorders. If you’re concerned about your own eating patterns and binge eating, speak to your GP.
Getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible can make a big difference to recovery and if necessary, your doctor can refer you for specialist help.