Posted in: Mar 19, 2023 at 08:59 am IST
It’s normal to eat off your plate and lick it off when you’re really hungry. However, if your overeating is usually uncontrollable, you may need to pause to reconsider whether this is normal. Gobbling large amounts of food in one sitting and observing this behavior to feel out of control is known as binge eating disorder. Some other symptoms of binge eating disorder include eating even when you feel full or not hungry, secretly trying to eat on your own, and overeating until you feel uncomfortably full. It is one of the most common types of eating disorders. However, fret not! Everything has a solution.
Health Shots reached out to clinical psychologist Dr. Kamna Chhibber to understand ways to get the right treatment for binge eating disorder.
Ways to deal with binge eating disorder
There are a few ways one can work to control overeating. Let’s find out!
1. Eat at the correct time intervals
People with binge eating disorder may succumb to this perception that they can start skipping meals or start eating less in order to solve the underlying problem. However, according to the expert, the truth is that one should always avoid skipping meals and make sure to eat regularly to avoid feelings of excessive hunger that can lead to overeating.
2. Identify your triggers and patterns
Eating disorders usually have triggers. The list can be endless from stress to maybe even a food image, poor body image, easy access to favorite foods, etc. Try to identify these triggers and keep yourself in check to avoid these triggers and eat in moderate amounts. “Identify patterns related to binge eating and check if there are specific thoughts or emotions associated with it,” suggests the expert.
3. Keep your stress levels under control
Stress eating is one of the most common types of eating disorders. High levels of stress always translate to overeating and other unhealthy eating habits. Try to pursue your passions or join hobbies such as yoga, meditation, aerobics, painting, or go to the gym regularly to de-stress. When you adjust your stress levels, you naturally end up eating enough or in moderation.
4. Rely on your support system
The expert says, “Find ways to express your experiences using whatever medium works best for you. Rely on your support system to share your experiences and concerns and find ways to deal with the situation.” You can get the help of friends or family to express the health concerns that are constantly bothering you, and your loved ones will do their best to help you get out of these issues smoothly.
Also Read: Ladies Binge Eating Alert! Study identifies brain circuit responsible for overeating
5. Talk to an expert, if needed
If your bingeing doesn’t stop or other challenges continue to raise your levels of distress, then you can consult an expert who may give you better coping mechanisms to heal from the problem.
bottom line
Most people these days lead a sedentary lifestyle, and the result can be binge eating disorder. It is something that can be easily remedied by correcting your lifestyle and managing your triggers. Seeking professional help is the best way to learn new and better ways to deal with the underlying problem.