Bingle Eating Disorder Description
Binge Eating Disorder and Its Effects on Teenagers across America
Eating disorders have been on the rise for a long period of time in the United States and U.K. Such disorders have been considered as mental health disorders. To a large extent, they have been observed in teenagers and young adults. In any given year, nearly 1 in 60 teens qualify for eating disorder diagnosis (John, 2011). This may be due to various social or cultural pressures that youth face. Females are most affected according to most research studies conducted. Males and minority groups are also affected, though to a lesser extent.
Media and social networks emphasize eating disorders that display weight loss. Binge eating disorder is associated with being overweight, or in some cases obesity. Christopher G (1995) attempts to define a binge as:
“Eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food defined as larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time, and under similar circumstances…sense of lack of control over eating during the episode…”
The last part of the statement is what differentiates everyday overeating from the disorder itself.
Only one difference exists between those with a binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa patients. With bulimia vomiting is induced after binging. This is not the case with binge eating. Teenagers who suffer from binge eating disorder (BED) use food to escape emotionally from certain situations. Peer isolation when they join high school contributes to its development. Family problems also contribute to the disorder. Teenagers with low self esteem during adolescence also tend to binge. Cohen (2006) describes the causes of BED as a need to deal with boredom. Another cause is comfort gained from tasting food helps push unpleasant feelings away.
Binge eaters experience a range of health problems. “There are significant numbers of people whose binge eating interferes to a greater or lesser extent with their quality of life…may be frequent, distressing, and affect physical health “(Christopher, 1995, p.22).
Teenagers who experience this disorder exhibit certain characteristics. Christopher (1995) describes them as having an enjoyable and pleasurable feeling during the first moments of binging. Disgust follows as the person continues feeding, but is unable to stop. He adds that wandering around the house or workplace with an air of desperation is a classic sign of BED. Another is hiding their binges due to shame which practice can go on for several years. Other affected individuals indicate a feeling of being in a trance (p.6).
Family members become frustrated as they watch their loved one going from crash diets then back to their old binge eating path (Mark, 2006). Doctors and other professionals have come up with treatment protocols for teens and others suffering from BED. Changing how, when, and what to eat may be of great help to such persons. Professional help to address issues driving the teen towards compulsive eating can help in its management. Antidepressants are also administered if deemed necessary.
Cohen, M (2006). Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder. Retrieved from www.eatingdisordersreview.com.
Fairburn, G.C. (1995).Overcoming Binge Eating. New York. Guilford Press.
Grohol, M.J. (March 7, 2011). Prevalence of Eating Disorders among Teens. Retrieved from www.psychcentral.com>News>Suicidenews.