Binge Eating Treatment Options: How to Help Women Recover

Eating disorders have been responsible for a vast number of health issues in women for many years. One of these disorders is binge eating, which is the consumption of large amounts of food in a short time. It is common for these episodes to be done secretly or discreetly. Binge eating involves eating a large amount of food until miserably full, feeling disgusted after eating, and eating when not hungry. However, binge eating treatment options are available.

Binge eating does not involve purging, so most individuals will gain weight. Most binge eaters may be obese, but that doesn’t mean that obese individuals engage in binge eating. This is one of the most common eating disorders among women, but men are also susceptible to struggling with binge eating disorder.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17, ESV

What creates the struggle with binge eating?

Various factors play into the struggle with binge eating. The trigger for one woman may not be the same as for another, but most of the factors associated with binge eating disorder are common. It is not uncommon for women who struggle with binge eating to use it to escape pain.

• A family pattern of eating disorders
• A pattern of dysfunctional emotional coping
• History of trauma or abuse
• The presence of a mood disorder
• ADHD
• Food insecurity
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Body dysmorphic disorder

Identifying the Symptoms

Women who struggle with binge eating disorder don’t have symptoms that are readily identified. They typically do not purge, fast, or engage in intense exercise after eating. This disorder is not the same as overeating on occasion. It is a loss of control.

The most common symptoms are:

• Eating in secret
• Stashing/hoarding food
• Frequent dieting
• Guilt and shame related to binge eating
• Emotional response eating
• Eating quickly
• Eating past the point of feeling normally full
• Constantly thinking about food
• Creating a schedule around binge-eating episodes
• Eating when not hungry

When these symptoms become noticeable regularly, it could be a sign of having binge-eating disorder. Stress and relationship issues can affect mental health, and combined with other causes, a woman can become susceptible to binge eating.

Available Binge Eating Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for binge eating. However, a Christian counselor can help you through creating a consistent, long-term plan for binge eating treatment. There are effective strategies to help cope with the underlying causes of a binge eating disorder.

Therapy

There are a few different types of therapy that can be effective at treating binge eating disorder.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you understand the thoughts behind the struggle with binge eating disorder.
• Interpersonal therapy is a short-term therapy that focuses on the current stress factors.

Medication

Various medications can be used to help with the impulse to binge eat. The possibility of other mental health issues like anxiety or depression must be addressed before choosing any medication for binge eating treatment.

Nutrition

Women of all sizes can struggle with binge eating disorder. Commonly, women with binge eating disorders have malnutrition issues. Even though they may be eating a large quantity of food, it doesn’t mean they are getting the right nutrients for a healthy body.

Choosing a healthy, nutritious meal plan can increase the likelihood of proper nutrition. This can also assist with reducing cravings, which can lead to weight loss and a better outlook.

Living with Binge Eating Disorder

It is challenging to live with a disorder. Here are some tips to help you cope as you navigate binge eating treatment:

• Identify trigger situations and create a strategy to navigate the moment
• Treat yourself with care by remembering to be kind to yourself
• Create a journal to become more aware of your feelings and actions
• Develop accountability with a friend you can discuss the journey with
• Create a healthy activity plan, such as walking, to help with relaxation
• Find a positive role model who will be encouraging when it comes to body expectations

Christian Counseling for Eating Disorders in Plano, Texas

Binge eating is a disorder that affects a huge number of women. It is not a choice but rather a mental health condition that may have a genetic component. Regardless of the cause, binge eating treatment can be accomplished through therapy, medication, and/or nutrition. If you or a family member suffers from a binge eating disorder, contact us today at Plano Christian Counseling in Texas to set up an appointment with a Christian counselor in Plano, Texas.