When you think of eating disorders, you usually think of anorexia or bulimia. But did you know that the most common eating disorder is binge eating disorder, affecting 1.25% of adult women and 0.42% of adult men?
Everyone has had a moment where they had a tub of ice cream after a long day, and that occasional stress relief is not a problem. However, having a binge night every week is a sign of something more serious.
Are you worried that you may have this problem? If so, you need to recognize the signs of binge eating disorders and get the help you need. Read on to learn these signs of eating disorders.
Signs of a Binge Eating Disorder
While anyone can eat too much of a meal, this doesn’t mean they have an eating disorder. These binge eating disorder signs can help you tell the difference:
Eating Too Fast
People with binge eating disorders tend to eat large amounts of food very fast, not taking the time to savor the sight, smell, and taste of the food. They are unusually concerned with getting as much food into their system as quickly as possible.
Eating Too Much
The most distinguished binge eating disorder sign is eating too much food, even when the person with the disorder is not hungry. Binge eating disorder sufferers will fill themselves with food until they can no longer do so or until they are uncomfortably full.
Binge Eating Alone
When people with this disorder recognize their binge eating habit, they feel embarrassed about it. They will often eat by themselves so people won’t be bothered by this habit.
Shame Over Eating Habits
Those who suffer from binge eating disorders are often bogged down with shame that they can’t stop eating. This embarrassment can be crippling to their social and personal lives.
If you are experiencing these signs, you may have this problematic disorder. And you must get treatment.
Signs of Eating Disorder Are Serious
Numerous health issues can arise from a binge eating disorder. With that extreme amount of overeating, an individual is at higher risk for obesity. This only leads to further problems.
Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is also linked to respiratory issues.
Moreover, binge eating and obesity can negatively affect one’s mental health. Whether it’s the eating habits or the weight gain, people who binge eat can be overcome with shame and are at higher risk for suicide.
Thankfully, this is a treatable disorder. It all starts with recognizing it as a mental condition that needs to be treated in the mind first. Click to gain more info about eating disorders to help with this mindset.
More Health Tips
These signs of binge eating disorders are not meant to cause shame. They are meant to help one recognize a mental health issue so they can get the help they need. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, don’t delay seeking help.
Visit the Health page of our Lifestyle section for more advice.