Just because an individual is fat does not mean they have an eating disorder – in fact, the majority of obese people do not. People with binge eating disorder are just as likely to be normal weight. There are other behaviors and symptoms that need to be watched for. Someone suffering from binge eating disorder will, typically, present a combination of some or all of the following:
In addition, an individual suffering from binge eating disorder is likely to suffer from one or more of the following emotional symptoms.
Unlike bulimics, a sufferer from binge eating disorder does not purge following a binge. They may try to diet or eat normally. But the attempt to restrict the intake of food often triggers more bingeing, thus creating a vicious cycle.
All people over-eat on the odd occasion. Sometimes, however, it starts to happen more and more often, leaving the individual feeling out of control and ashamed. This is one of the main reasons why individuals finally realize they need to seek help.
Binge eating disorder is often more extreme in individuals with other underlying issues or co-occurring disorders, such as depression, alcoholism or substance abuse. These can make it harder for the individual to understand and respond to emotions, thus triggering ever more frequent and severe binges.
As with other eating disorders, there is no definition of the exact causes of binge eating disorder. It is thought that it is likely that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and social factors is involved. However, given the complex emotional elements of the disease, contributing factors will likely differ from individual to individual.
Psychological and emotional factors may also contribute to the disorder – someone with low self esteem or who has trouble managing their emotions, controlling anger or has compulsive behaviors. Other individuals vulnerable to binge eating disorder are those who have suffered trauma or loss, causing their eating habits to become entwined with their feelings and emotions.
Undoubtedly, today’s society is obsessed with looking thin. We are constantly bombarded with images of unrealistically thin models, actors and athletes. In vulnerable individuals this can worsen an already distorted body image perception.
Binge eating is a serious eating disorder – BUT IT IS TREATABLE.
At Sovereign Health of California, we concentrate on creating an environment where a patient can feel safe about expressing their emotions about food and eating. The patient can thus understand that they are not alone in their struggle. We focus on supporting our patients as they seek to develop confidence in their ability to make healthy choices about food.
Before we admit a patient, we request extensive information from not only the sufferer, but from family and friends, in order to obtain a complete picture of the issues involved. We seek permission to contact any previous eating disorder treatment providers in order to gather additional information. The more complete the picture, the easier it will be to design a treatment program to meet the specific needs of the individual.
Once admitted, each patient undergoes a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. The patient is then introduced to the treatment team, which will include, among others, a family therapist, a psychiatrist and a registered dietician. During the first few days, the patient will get to know each member of the treatment team who, in turn will carry out their own, individual evaluations before combining their knowledge, together with the results of the initial assessment to produce a completely individual treatment program for the patient.
We offer treatment to both men and women. So, to learn more about treatment and recovery at Sovereign Health of California, why not visit the 'What We Offer' page of our website. Alternatively, call us now! We have advisors available 24/7 to answer any question you may have with regard to Sovereign Health of California and all its treatment programs. Our success rate speaks for itself!
