Binge Eating Disorder is a feeing of loss of control over eating. In BED, a person is in distress because they find themselves overeating or what they perceive is over eating which they don't want to do. Or maybe a part of them looks forward to this binge and plans it out so then it becomes something they want to do. But then again their feelings are mixed about this as they see how binge eating takes over their life, leads to isolation and unhappiness and may lead to unwanted weight gain.
The Rago team understands how much shame and isolation there is in binge eating disorder, and how this leads to a lower quality of life experience.
Binge eating is defined by the cardinal symptom of a binge. A binge is an episode of loss of control over eating and even can feel like a loss of control over life. Maybe life feels out of control so then the eating is something you can control but then that ultimately betrays you and you end up feeling even more out of control. An unhealthy relationship with food gets activated where you feel obsessed with the binge and with what you are and are not eating. This may also lead to weight gain and the greater unhappiness that comes from this. People with BED often feel trapped in a cycle where this obsession takes over their lives, and may be in the back of their mind all day even when many other areas of life are successful for them.
Binge eating disorder can be set off by many factors, most often a combination of more than one. DIETING is a major cause of BED. The physical deprivation and the rigid mind set leads to a person to feel like they have to stop themselves from enjoyable eating. The part of you that finds him or herself or themselves binge eating might be the healthy part of you that does not want to punish or deprive yourself. But without re-organizing the whole structure of your eating plans you might greatly struggle in trying to get out of the destructive cycle. Depression, anxiety and trauma are also factors in BED. And sadly the comfort that eating may bring is overshadowed by the pain and weight gain that BED may cause. Binge eating may provide a welcome escape from how we feel inside, but it's more productive to get with a Rago therapist and figure out the "why" underneath to truly and powerfully break the cycle you may feel trapped in.
Some recent studies show how important it is to get effective help and support for binge eating disorder. It can lead to so much depression and low self-esteem. Binge eating disorder can lead body weight to increase over time which can compound and worsen depression and self-esteem concerns for individuals. Another complication is trauma. Working with your team you might find that past or current traumas are a part of the binge eating. Binging may serve to distract or push away thoughts feelings or memories. Facing these head on with your Rago therapist will help you win over destructive patterns that are keeping you in binge eating.
Effective treatment for binge eating disorders is important to be aware of because people in this group tend to feel hopeless at times because this struggle is so confusing and painful. Basically issues with food can be almost like a drug becuase of the effects of different eating patterns on the body, and in addition the ways this is a coping mechanism for different emotions and problems in life. Having a dedicated treatment team will allow you to uncover the ways these issues have taken control and help you find your way out of this struggle. Your Rago dietician will help you figure out the optimal eating plans that will not only help you break the cycles but we use a NON-DIETING, High Energy approach to food and activity. Part of the reason people struggle to stop these patterns of binging is because the alternatives are too restrictive and so they lead the person right back into a binge! So step by step: First break the destructive binge eating behaviors without trying to focus on weight loss. It is really the only way. But fortunately, stopping binge eating will most likely lead to weight loss just on it's own! We can work with you for long term plans over time and first we must find an eating plan that works for you to stop binging. At the same time your Rago therapist will address with you the emotional and social connections with your binge eating. Often these issues will trigger a binge and so we need to keep those in mind too.
Looking for trusted eating disorder therapy centers in Chicago and nearby areas?
Our seasoned therapists utilize evidence-based approaches to support recovery in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our centers are conveniently located throughout the Chicago area, ensuring you find the right support close to home.
Let us be your partner on the journey to healing and recovery.
Considering help? Feel free to email Dr. Maria Rago, counseling director at Rago & Associates. She will personally read it and connect you with the services and people she believes can best help you or your loved one.
