Binge Eating
Binge Eating Disorder means having a lack of control over the amount of food you eat, where you may consume silly amounts. Binge eating is a part of bulimia nervosa (another eating disorder). But unlike bulimia, there isn't any purging (getting rid of what you've just eaten by making yourself vomit or taking laxatives), so people who binge eat rapidly gain weight and can become obese (over 20% more than our ideal weight).
Symptoms of binge eating disorder
- Eating unusually large amounts of food at one time, often alone to prevent others finding out.
- Eating large amounts of food even when not hungry.
- Eating much more quickly than during normal eating.
- Feeling disgusted, depressed and guilty after eating.
- Having negative feelings about food and guilt about eating. This is the difference between binge eating and another similar condition called compulsive eating disorder, where someone fantasises about food all the time.
The risks of binge eating
Obesity and being overweight can be a result of binge eating. There are also other consequences including:
- Lack of proper nutrition. Binge eating often involves food high in sugar and salt and low in nutritional value.
- Becoming very depressed and upset about eating. This can lead to deteriorating relationships and social problems, as feelings of guilt and being ashamed from being obese can result in avoiding social contact.
- Health problems from obesity, including developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Are you overweight?
First thing's first, work out your BMI (Body Mass Index) using the online calculator (link at the bottom of the page) this will give you some idea as to whether or not you are overweight for your age and height (compared to others the same as you).
Not brilliant news? Not to worry - there are two very simple obvious choices for you: get into better eating habits and some physical activity.
Note how we didn't say diet. You don't have to diet especially as most celeb driven ones you'll find in trashy magazines don't work, they'll make you feel miserable, weak, moody and your complexion dull. All that and once you've stopped you'll put the weight back on. Why would anyone want to put themselves through that? Just eat sensibly and stick to balanced diet.
Now for the exercise - we don't expect you to get down the gym and slog it out for 2 hours solid everyday; just an hour a week. Break it down into 20 minute sessions so you have time to really get your heart rate up and break out a sweat. Make sure it's something you enjoy - it can be something simple and fun like dancing to either the radio or music channels.
Also see:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
You can measure if you are a healthy weight by calculating your Body Mass Index.
Related External Links:
- The Beat
Telephone: 0845 634 7650
Text: 07786 20 18 20
Information for young people about eating disorders, how to get help and how to help someone you know with an eating disorder. - BMI Calculator
This NHS site has a calculator which works for 5 to 17 year olds and can give you an idea of whether you are normal or overweight. (Unfortunately it can't tell you if you're underweight).