The painting gained prominence with the reveal of model Yasmin Brunet, at BBB24
After model Yasmin Brunet revealed on Big Brother Brasil (BBB 24) that she suffers from binge eating, the topic gained prominence in the press. Many people have heard of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. But binge eating disorder (BED) is often poorly understood, despite being one of the most common.
According to Abeso (Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity), binge eating disorder affects 3.5% of women and 2% of men during their lifetime. In the USA, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is the most widespread eating disorder and affects approximately 3% of the population.
It’s important to point out that binges are very different from what people understand as gluttony or occasional overindulgence. It’s common for someone to eat two or three slices of cake, or four slices of pizza, and then regret it. But this is very different from eating a whole cake, or a whole pizza, almost without feeling the pleasure of food, standing up, hidden from others, once or more times a week.
In addition to all the negative consequences for physical health, BED affects a person’s daily life, leading to isolation and depression. To make matters worse, many people take years to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of binge eating
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of:
– ingestion of large quantities of food, to the point of causing discomfort, often in a short period of time;
– feeling of loss of control during the episode;
– feel ashamed, distressed or guilty afterwards.
Different from bulimia
Unlike bulimia, which also involves episodes of excessive food intake followed by a lot of guilt, in BED the person usually does not take compensatory measures (such as, for example, inducing vomiting, taking laxatives and fasting) after the episodes. But it is not uncommon for individuals suffering from this disorder to end up developing bulimia, or vice versa.
Possible causes
Science is still searching for answers to the causes of binge eating. It is possible that there is some kind of genetic predisposition, for example. Trauma, particularly sexual abuse, can increase the risk of developing the disorder, as can intense dietary restrictions.
It is common for people with BED to engage in fad diets that include eliminating entire food groups. It is also common for them to avoid eating in public or with other people.
It is important to treat
In addition to suffering from constant fluctuations in weight, up or down, many people with this disorder may develop obesity. In addition to long-term consequences, such as an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, BED can have short-term consequences, such as stomach cramps, acid reflux, difficulty concentrating, and other mental health disorders.
Therapy and drugs
Treatment of the disorder must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, which may involve a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a nutritionist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment, as it helps people identify emotions that trigger dysfunctional behaviors and then change these patterns. Other types of psychotherapy and mutual help groups can also be useful, and recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of dialectical behavioral therapy adapted for the control of eating disorders.
The only drug approved for binge eating disorder currently is lisdexamfetamine (LDX), which is also used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some doctors may also prescribe certain antidepressants (especially if the patient also suffers from depression). Other drugs that have proven useful in some studies are the anticonvulsant topiramate and naltrexone, also indicated for alcohol use disorder. All these substances have side effects and contraindications, so they should be used only under medical supervision.
Sources: Abeso (Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome), Dr. Jairo Bouer, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and The New York Times.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
