Getting To Know Binge Eating Disorders, Excessive Eating Disorders To Watch Out For

JAKARTA - Eating excess disorders or binge eating disorder is a serious condition that makes a person feel unable to stop eating. Usually, this involves consuming a much larger amount of food than usual.

Many people sometimes eat excessively, for example while enjoying a holiday meal. However, if someone often consumes food uncontrollably and consumes a very large amount of food, it can be a sign of binge eating disorder.

People with this disorder often feel ashamed or guilty after overeating. As a result, they may try to reduce eating extremely. However, this could actually increase the urge to overeat again and create cycles that are difficult to stop.

Symptoms

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, excessive eating disorders can be experienced by people with various body sizes, both overweight and normal body weight. Most patients feel dissatisfied with their body shape or size, regardless of the number on the scales. Some symptoms of excessive eating disorders include:

- Feeling unable to control eating behavior, for example can't stop after starting to eat.

- Often eating much larger in a certain amount of time (for example in two hours).

- Keep eating even though you are full or not feeling hungry.

- Eat very quickly when eating excessively.

- Eat to feel uncomfortable or too full.

- Often eat alone or secretly because they feel ashamed.

- Feeling sad, disgust, embarrassed, guilty, or depressed after excessive eating.

How severe this condition depends on how excessive eating affects a person's daily mood and activity. This disorder can take place briefly, recur, or continue for years if not treated.

If you experience symptoms of excessive eating disorders, immediately seek medical assistance. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about your feelings and experiences.

If you feel embarrassed to talk to a doctor, try to talk first with someone you trust, such as friends, family members, teachers, or religious leaders. Support from those closest to you can help you take the first step towards recovery.

Someone with this disorder may be good at hiding their habits, because they feel ashamed or guilty. This can make it difficult for other people to realize the problem.

If you suspect someone experiencing excessive eating disorders, invite them to speak openly with empathy. Remember, eating disorders are a mental health problem, not the person's fault or choice.

Provide support and encouragement. You can help find experienced health professionals in dealing with eating disorders. If necessary, offer to accompany them when consulting.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of excessive eating disorders is not yet known. However, there are several factors that can increase risks, including:

- Family history

If there are family members who experience eating disorders, the possibility of someone experiencing this condition will be higher.

- Tight diet

Many sufferers have a history of extreme diets. Excessive food restrictions can trigger the desire to overeat.

- Mental condition

Many sufferers feel dissatisfied with themselves. Stress, bad mood, and certain situations such as attending a party or spending time alone can be a trigger.

Complications

Overeating disorders can cause various mental and physical health problems, including:

- Difficulty enjoying life and feeling comfortable with yourself.

- Problems in work, personal relationships, or social interactions.

- Feeling isolated or withdrawing from the social environment.

- Weight gain.

- Health problems due to excess weight, such as joint pain, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, digestive disorders (GERD), malnutrition, and respiratory sleep disorders.

These disorders are also often associated with other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, thoughts, and suicidal behavior.