Essays on Binge Eating

Binge eating is an increasingly common problem. It involves a cycle of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, feeling guilty or ashamed afterwards, and then promising oneself to never do it again”only to repeat the behavior soon after. Binge eaters often feel out of control during these episodes and unable to stop themselves from overeating.The causes for binge eating vary from person-to-person, but can include trying to cope with stress or depression, low self-esteem, guilt over past experiences, or feelings of loneliness. Other factors that may contribute are environmental influences such as being around trigger foods, having family members who also struggle with binge eating or obesity, and external pressures like dieting culture. In order to treat binge eating disorder (BED), it is important to address the underlying issues driving this behavior by working closely with a healthcare professional. Often times Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) will be recommended along with medication if needed. This type of therapy focuses on identifying unhealthy thought patterns related to food and body image while helping create strategies for managing emotions without turning to food as comfort. Additional treatments for BED might include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), nutrition counseling/education about healthy habits, group support programs such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA), mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga classes which can help reduce stress levels; even lifestyle modifications such as getting more sleep and exercising regularly have been known to help individuals manage their symptoms better over time. In some cases medical interventions such as bariatric surgery may also be considered options depending on individual needs and preferences. Ultimately each treatment plan should be tailored according to what works best for the patient’s particular situation so that they are able move away from their destructive pattern towards lasting recovery without experiencing shame or stigma along the way.