What causes a binge eating disorder? Binge eating is when an individual eats a large portion of food in a short period. Feeling out of control or powerless over how much food is consumed is attached to the disorder. Each person with the disorder may have different binge eating triggers which inflict the cravings and begin their excessive eating.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
A person struggling with weekly binge eating will display common signs of the disorder over time. Many people will go through periods of eating a large quantity of food for a short time and then return back to a regular diet and not have a binge eating disorder. It’s a disorder when feelings of guilt, shame, and lack of control are attached to eating, and anxiety or depression can begin to overwhelm a person.
Here are signs of a binge eating disorder:
- Joint pain
- Low libido
- Rapid eating
- Periodic fasting
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Frequent weight fluctuation
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- The disappearance of most purchased food in short periods of time
If a person is experiencing these signs and symptoms, then binge eating disorder treatment may be a positive route to avoid long-term health problems like high cholesterol or heart disease. In addition, people often feel shame and distress, so if you know someone struggling with this particular disorder, support and compassion can be expressed. Therapy for depression and anxiety also may be needed depending on the severity level of the condition.
What Causes a Binge Eating Disorder?
Emotional and environmental factors usually trigger binge eating. Binge eating triggers set off by emotional reasons include stress or anxiety, boredom, past trauma, distraction, and social anxiety. Of course, there are more specific triggers depending on the person. Keeping a journal and writing down when you are triggered or feeling overly stressed, sad, or anxious can help identify the primary causes of continuous binge eating.
Binge eating triggers implemented by environmental causes can include seeing food while out, such as a candy jar or even pictures of food on billboards. A person may be easily convinced to eat and continue eating. If this is the case, ways to prevent health issues can be simple changes like replacing the candy with fruit or planning meals in advance. Keeping a food journal specifically for highlighting your emotions and writing down what you are ingesting can be beneficial so a person can see exactly what they are fueling their body with and how it’s making them feel.
Eating Disorder Treatment at Our Philadelphia Eating Disorder Clinic
At Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia, we offer levels of eating disorder treatment, including programs for binge eating. Our unique programs can help individuals pinpoint their binge eating triggers and learn new skills to prevent feeling future guilt on the matter. We offer a family program for members of the loved one struggling with the disorder. This therapy is a wonderful way for families to reconnect and build strong and supportive relationships.
If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, contact a professional at our Philadelphia rehab for eating disorders by calling 888-280-4763 and ask about our intensive outpatient program to get started on the path to recovery today!
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