Patients with binge eating disorder suffer from recurrent binge eating episodes. During these episodes, they consume large amounts of food and feel as though they are losing control over their eating behavior. They do not regularly resort to weight-loss measures and are therefore often obese. Obesity is defined as a BMI of > 30.0 kg/m². Many people suffer from obesity, and the trend is on the rise. Between 1 and 1.2 percent of people suffer from the most severe form of obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m², Class 3).
Further information and clinics specializing in binge-eating disorders can be found below.
How Does Binge-Eating Disorder (Food Addiction) Develop?
Various psychosocial and biological factors are involved in the development and maintenance of binge-eating disorder, such as:
- Overemphasis on physical appearance
- Dissatisfaction with one’s body
- Elevated BMI
- Low self-esteem
- Depressive symptoms
- Limited social support
According to the ICD-10, binge eating disorder is classified as atypical bulimia nervosa (F 50.3) or as binge eating associated with other mental disorders (F 50.4).
28 out of every 1,000 girls and women develop binge-eating disorder at some point in their lives @ New Africa /AdobeStock
Treatment of binge-eating disorder
For both obesity and binge-eating disorder, the following measures are primarily required:
- Dietary measures
- Exercise
- Exercise therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Surgical interventions
In psychotherapy, modified behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice. The focus is on healthy eating habits and the analysis of food shopping, cooking, and consumption.
Exercise therapy plays an important role in the treatment of binge eating disorder @ Kletr /AdobeStock
Treatment Goals for Binge-Eating Disorder
Treatment goals for binge-eating disorder are:
- Normalization of eating behavior
- Normalizing body weight
- Improving conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
Individual and group psychological therapy can help patients achieve these goals. These therapies allow patients to address their difficulties.
Possible difficulties include:
- Recognizing and expressing one’s own needs in relationships
- Managing conflictual situations
When patients with eating disorders have better tools for conflict resolution and emotion regulation, they no longer need to turn to food.
In inpatient or day-treatment settings, shared meals also help counteract symptomatic eating behaviors.
Share this article