The fear of overeating during the holidays is practically universal, but for people suffering from a specific type of eating disorder—binge eating—this time of year could be disastrous.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) was recently added as an official diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
This addiction knows no gender, race, ethnicity, age, or income. Everyone from corporate titans to pre-teens are among the binge eaters.
In fact, binge eating, compulsive overeating, and emotional eating affect half of all people suffering from eating disorders. It’s a silent but devastating disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Eating disorder experts Jennie Kramer, MSW, LCSW and Marjorie Nolan Bohn MS, RD have provided essential information on BED and other related eating disorders through their expertise in behavioral issues and nutrition, including how to:
- Recognize binge eating symptoms in oneself and loved ones
- Get to the root of the problem, which isn’t always about food.
- Match the most appropriate treatment option to the individual.
- Overcome the desire to binge in favor of incorporating healthy habits into daily routines.
- Make a long-term commitment to healthy eating and living.
Overcoming an eating disorder improves one’s health while also qualifying them for a lower life insurance policy.