Many people with binge eating disorder have an extensive history of attempts at dieting and weight loss. Often, these attempts can have short term success with an end result of gaining back the weight lost (and sometimes more). Over time, these “failures” grow in the impact they have on a person’s physical and mental health. There is also often a lack of recognition that the person has a disorder and that the solution is not as simple as eat less and exercise more.
Because our culture believes that being thin is an option for everyone with enough discipline and hard work, those in different bodies often have a sense of failure and feel like dieting is the only answer. Dieting over and over often creates the sense of failure or of not being good enough, leaving people feeling sad, frustrated, or deprived. Dieting can often take away the pleasure in life as life becomes more and more about the food itself.
My approach focuses less on weight and exercise and focuses more on helping people learn to build a positive relationship with their body. I believe as people build a more positive relationship with their body, they make choices that are more caring and that provide for their body’s needs. My goal is to help people walk away from the shame and into acceptance and compassion.
Binge eating disorder is characterized by eating significant amounts of food in a distinct period of time. Binge eating can be planned or can occur despite consciously wanting to stop eating. Often there can be a lot of shame around the behaviors associated with binge eating. Binge eating is the most common eating disorder.
Signs of binge eating disorder can include:
- Eating large portions of food in a short period of time
- Eating despite not being physically hungry
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating very quickly
- A sense of being unable to control eating
- Eating in secret so others do not see the amount of food consumed
- Being embarrassed by the amount of food consumed
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty about eating.
If you or someone you care about is exhibiting some of these symptoms, it is important that the person is evaluated as soon as possible. After an evaluation, the person will likely be recommended to build a treatment team, consisting of a physician, a therapist, and a dietitian. For many, the treatment team can also include family members or close friends. Many family members or friends of those with eating disorders may also benefit from meeting with a therapist for support.
My approach in working with those wanting recovery from binge eating or emotional eating is acceptance based. My goal is to help people make peace with their body and food with a focus on caring for their mind and body in the ways that are needed for that person. For more information regarding my approach, please contact me.