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Are You a Binge Eater?
Ever wonder if you have a serious problem with
binge eating?
In a recent issue of the Harvard Mental Health
Letter, I read a feature article about the treatment of bulimia
and binge eating.
Bulimia is defined as 2 or more episodes of
binge eating (consuming a large amount of food in 2 hours
or less) at least twice a week for 3 months. These episodes
may be followed by vomiting or purging (with laxatives or
diuretics) and may alternate with fasting and compulsive exercising.
People who suffer from bulimia often view this behavior as
a shameful secret.
Binge Eating Disorder (binging that is not followed
by vomiting, fasting or exercise) has gotten more attention
recently since it is being considered for inclusion as a psychiatric
diagnosis.
The criteria are tentatively listed as “a condition
that causes serious distress with at least 3 of the following
symptoms occurring at least 2 days a week for 6 months:
- eating very fast
- eating until uncomfortably full
- eating when not hungry
- eating alone
- feeling disgusted or guilty afterward
Since most of the population has probably engaged
in these eating behaviors at one time or another, I guess
it comes down to the frequency and severity of the problem.
You can be a binge eater, but you would have to be binging
quite regularly to be considered to have Binge Eating Disorder.
Many people engage in some of these behaviors
all the time. People who live alone often eat alone. And while
eating when you aren’t hungry is not the most satisfying experience,
sometimes it is just an ingrained habit.
You do not have to be overweight to be a binge
eater. Many people with binge eating problems think they are
overweight or are worried that they will become seriously
overweight. Dieting does not necessarily stop the binging
and is often viewed as being part of the problem rather than
the solution.
This article pointed out that the body resists
dieting by slowing metabolism and increasing appetite, commonly
accompanied by an intense preoccupation with food, more binging,
anxiety and depression.
If you are struggling with bulimia or severe
binge eating problems, seek help and get the support you deserve.
Don’t keep it a secret. You do not need to be heroic and suffer
alone.
If you engage in some of the binge eating behaviors,
join the club and keep reading . . .
You can learn to change all of these behaviors,
even mild to moderate binge eating by listening to your body,
eating mindfully and being kind to yourself.
Here’s to getting the help you need,
Carol
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About the Author:
Carol Solomon, Ph.D. is a psychologist and personal coach
who specializes in helping people who want to lose weight
and eliminate food and weight issues. By going from food obsessive
to charge neutral (i.e. Did I eat today?), she became dedicated
to making it easy for others to step off the vicious cycle
and live free of anxiety about food and weight. She is the
author of "Lose Weight Now Stay Slim Forever," a practical
"how-to" manual for learning to lose weight without dieting.
Sign up for her free email newsletter, Slim Forever at: http://www.lose-weight-now-stay-slim-forever.com
http://www.LoseWeightWithEFT.com
http://www.MoreMoneyWithEFT.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Solomon
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