Questions to Consider About Binge Eating

Have you ever stood alone in the kitchen, mindlessly gorging yourself with whatever you can find in the cabinets and fridge? Or maybe you hit the drive-through at a local fast food chain and order enough for two people, then eat it in your car where no one you know can see you? Do you feel out-of-control sometimes with food? Have you experienced the guilt, shame, and regret that often follow? If you find yourself doing these or other similar things in your relationship with food, you may have Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

A person typically meets the criteria for Binge Eating Disorder when they are repeating the type of behaviors mentioned above at least one time per week. The danger of BED can include weight gain, gastro-intestinal issues, and loss of physical cues indicating fullness. Psychologically, BED can lead to depression and anxiety as a person unsuccessfully attempts to control their behavior with food, or believes food will help improve their pre-existing low mood state. Self-esteem often is decreased and issues can develop with body image.

 Learning what factors may predispose you to BED and addressing underlying psychological issues, as well as learning to avoid triggers, is often very successful in helping individuals in their recovery from BED. Counseling can be a very effective resource for treating and overcoming BED. Genesis Counseling Center has several counselors who are able and eager to help.

Shelby DeBause, MA, LMFT, Senior Clinician at Genesis Counseling Center, Hampton