Binge eating: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Binge eating is an eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat in large quantities and very quickly, even when you are not hungry. This disorder often results in excessive weight gain and the development of other psychological disorders, such as depression or bulimia.

Binge eating can be triggered by anxiety attacks, hormonal problems, very restrictive diets or major emotional losses, for example.

This disorder can be cured, especially when identified and treated early. Treatment for binge eating involves therapy sessions and nutritional monitoring, and the use of medication may also be recommended by the doctor in some cases.

Symptoms of binge eating

The main symptoms of binge eating are:

• Consume a large amount of food, even if you are not hungry;
• Feeling of guilt after eating;
• Having difficulty stopping eating;
• Eating strange foods like raw rice, a pot of butter, cold beans with cheese, etc.;
• Eating too fast;
• Eating hidden;
• Immeasurable pleasure when eating;
• Little concern about being overweight;
• Overweight or obesity, as more calories are consumed than the body can burn;
• Dissatisfaction with the image.

It is possible that the person with binge eating also has other psychological changes, such as anxiety, depression or bulimia, for example.

Furthermore, due to uncontrolled and unhealthy eating, it is also common for there to be other health problems such as respiratory problems, nutritional deficiencies, cardiovascular changes and diabetes, for example.

Which doctor to consult?

The best doctor to identify and treat binge eating is an endocrinologist, who will carry out a detailed assessment to determine whether it could be a consequence of any hormonal changes. However, it is common for treatment to also include a multidisciplinary team with a psychologist and nutritionist.

If you think you may suffer from binge eating, find an endocrinologist near you and start taking care of your health today:

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for binge eating should be started as soon as possible and it is important for the person to know that it takes some time for it to start taking effect. It is recommended that treatment for binge eating be initiated through consultation with a psychologist, as this makes it possible to identify what led to binge eating and, in this way, work on this aspect during therapy sessions.

It is through therapy sessions that symptoms of binge eating can begin to be reduced, and complementary treatment with medication is important, which must be done under medical recommendation, and nutritional guidance.

Furthermore, it is important that the person is accompanied by a nutritionist so that they have guidance on what should be consumed, quantities and times of the day. Practicing physical activities is also important in treating binge eating, as this way it is possible to relieve anxiety, improve mood and divert attention from food.

Remedies for binge eating

Medicines for binge eating should be advised by a doctor, and the use of appetite controllers, antidepressants and/or nervous system controllers, such as sibutramine, fluoxetine and topiramate, for example, may be recommended. Learn more about remedies for binge eating.

The dose and type of medicine may vary from person to person according to the person’s weight, characteristics of binge eating and the person’s age. Furthermore, the use of medication must be complemented by therapy sessions, nutritional monitoring and physical activity.