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Thanks
to the National Institute of Mental Health
for the following information.
Eating
Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions - 4
Binge-Eating
Disorder
Community surveys have estimated that between 2 percent and 5 percent of
Americans experience binge-eating disorder in a 6-month period. Symptoms
of binge-eating disorder include:
- Recurrent episodes of
binge eating, characterized by eating an excessive amount of food within
a discrete period of time and by a sense of lack of control over eating
during the episode
- The binge-eating
episodes are associated with at least 3 of the following: eating much
more rapidly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full;
eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry; eating
alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating; feeling
disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
- Marked distress about
the binge-eating behavior
- The binge eating
occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months
- The binge eating is
not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory
behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting, excessive exercise)
People with binge-eating
disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control eating, with the
same binge-eating symptoms as those with bulimia. The main difference is
that individuals with binge-eating disorder do not purge their bodies of
excess calories. Therefore, many with the disorder are overweight for
their age and height. Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated with
this illness can lead to bingeing again, creating a cycle of binge eating.
People with eating
disorders often do not recognize or admit that they are ill. As a result,
they may strongly resist getting and staying in treatment. Family members
or other trusted individuals can be helpful in ensuring that the person
with an eating disorder receives needed care and rehabilitation. For some
people, treatment may be long term.
Part 1 |
Part 2
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| Part 4
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