Ever wonder if you have a serious problem with binge eating?

In 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 decades . These episodes can be followed by vomiting or purging (with laxatives or diuretics) and can alternate with fasting and compulsive exercising.

People who suffer from bulimia commonly 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 many years:

eating very fast eating until uncomfortably full eating when not hungry eating alone feeling disgusted or guilty afterward

Since most of the population has most likely engaged in these eating behaviors at one instant or another, I guess it comes down to the frequency and severity of the problem.

You may be a binge eater, but you would have to be binging quite regularly to be considered to have Binge Eating Disorder.

Many all the people engage in some of these behaviors all the time. People who live alone almost always eat alone.

And while eating when you arent 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 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 fairly often viewed as being part of the problem rather than the solution.

The body resists dieting by slowing metabolism and increasing appetite, generally 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.

Dont 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 might 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.

Heres to getting the help you absolutely need, Carol