Binge Eating. Has anyone been there?

LegacyUser

I've started to binge eat. Well I think that's what it's called. I feel like I'm addicted to eating junk food. It's as if I need it. Every day, I could easily go through 2 entire packets of biscuits/ bars/ crisps etc. I know I probably have to 'find out why I do it' etc. But I need to stop, and I don't live anywhere near a councilor etc. I'm very ashamed of it. In fact, I've been doing it for a long time... I don't make myself get sick, as I cannot. So I've started to put on weight. How to I stop this!??. Please help. Thanks.

Reku

Well assuming there is no physical reason (there are some disorders that result in messages to the brain to stop eating fail to get there correctly) then usually the reasons for binge eating are: sadness/depression, boredom or bullemia.
You say you don't do it enough to make yourself sick so it's not the last.
As for the others only you can really guess as to what reason is most likely. When you eat junk food your body will release a number of feel good hormones and as such you're addicted to this as a medication against what is really wrong, a quick short term fix of the problem.

In terms of dealing with the weight gain that results perhaps adding some excercise such as running may help, if the reason is boredom then it may also help with this since you'll have a little less time per day to feel bored. You will also find that exercise also releases a number of feel good hormones and perhaps your body will start to rely on the junk food as it's medication of choice. Just make sure not to overdo it or you could hurt yourself.

Nevyn

http://www.bodywhys.ie/

They have online articles, a message forum and a helpline.

Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association Of Ireland.
PO Box 105,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.

Admin Tel: 01-2834963
Fax: 01-2056959
Email: info@bodywhys.ie
Helpline: 1890 200 444
E-Mail Support: alex@bodywhys.ie

Characteristics

People with binge eating problems often experience some of the following:

* Eating is out of control.
* Eating much more quickly than usual during binges.
* Eating until uncomfortably full.
* Eating large amounts of food, even when not hungry.
* Eating alone due to embarrassment about the amount eaten.
* Feelings of disgust, guilt, self loathing and shame after overeating.
* Depression and anxiety.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

The causes of binge eating disorder (BED) are still unclear. As with other eating disorders, many factors (biological, psychological, familial and socio-cultural) combine together to contribute to the development of the disorder. Many people with BED also experience depression from time to time. Whether depression causes BED, or whether BED causes depression is not known. Many people say that being angry, sad, anxious or worried can cause them to binge eat. Low self esteem and dieting are seen as significant risk factors.

The relationship between dieting and binge eating is complex. Many people with BED report that they had episodes of bingeing before they started to diet. However, once a cycle of bingeing and dieting is established, it is the dieting that maintains and perpetuates the urge to binge.

Binge eating disorder is almost as common among men as it is among women. It is thought to affect up to 4% of the general population.