A person who is experiencing a binge eating episode feels a strong compulsion to eat (usually) unhealthy food, and is unable to control the quantity of the food they are ingesting. Persons with this condition often begin to binge eat as a result of feeling unhappy or agitated; the high calorie foods they consume tend to temporarily relieve this unhappiness and thus binge eating becomes an addictive mechanism for coping with low moods. Many of us have indulged in binge eating at least once in our lives. Many a comedic television show will show a character who is unhappy indulge in a whole tub of ice-cream, for example, and the popular term “comfort food” is well known to most of us. However, binge eating is a serious eating disorder and can lead to detrimental consequences for your digestive and intestinal systems. Therefore it is important to consider seeking help from a professional psychologist, counsellor or therapist if you think you might have a binge eating disorder. (This article is electronically protected – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)
Binge eating can affect almost anyone at any age. Although it is seen more frequently among young women, young men, older men and older women can also be affected by the compulsive desire to binge and eat unusually large and unhealthy amounts of foods.
Because a binge is usually triggered by uncomfortable emotions of anger, inadequacy, jealousy or sadness, the foods that are eaten during a binge period are usually foods that will induce feelings of satisfaction and satiety. These foods include foods that are easy to eat – they are usually soft and can be consumed in large amounts – and are high in carbohydrates. These foods may include ice cream, chocolate, sweets, mashed potatoes, gravy and other foods that provoke feelings of satisfaction. (This article is electronically protected – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)
There are several reasons why eating large amounts of food during a binge episode is unhealthy and even dangerous. The body is not designed to eat the huge amounts of foods that are usually consumed during a binge period. A person who is suffering a binge episode may literally consume the equivalent of several meals at one sitting. The binge period is usually limited to a time frame of a few hours, so the stomach stretches dangerously, as does the esophagus.
Beyond the physical dangers of eating huge amounts of food, there is the emotional aspect of binge eating which is problematic. Since binge eating is often provoked by experiences that create emotionally uncomfortable feelings, the eating is a poor way of coping by internally “stuffing” the feelings instead of bringing them out and consciously dealing with them.
Working with a professionally trained counsellor, psycholigust or therapist who has experience with eating disorders can help you understand the underlying reasons for your need to eat uncontrollably when you are emotionally distressed. (This article is electronically protected – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)
Dealing with those underlying issues will often substantially reduce the need to binge. A counsellor can help you learn healthier coping skills, improving your self-esteem and assisting you to develop a better relationship with food. Ultimately your aim is to develop control over your eating habits.
If you are struggling with binging and purging, an unhealthy relationship with food or eating disorder issues and would like to book a consultation with a qualified counsellor, or would like to obtain further advice please contact Associated Counselors & Psychologists Sydney.
Common mispellings and alternative search terms used to find this page include: Binje Eating, Ovr Eating; Counseling Binge Eating; Binge Eating Terapy; Binge Eating Counselor; Psychologst Binge Eatig, Binge Eating Terapy; Beinge Eating Therepist.
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