Binge eating is a disorder characterized by consuming a significant amount of food on a regular basis. The size of a binge eater is no obvious indication that they have the disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, binge eaters can be normal weight or they can be heavy. Several agencies offer services to help binge eaters cope with their disorder.
Treatments
There are several ways to treat a binge eating disorder, including psychotherapy, medication and weight loss programs. Psychotherapy sessions can help identify root causes of binge eating to help patients understand better control behavior that may lead to overeating. Psychiatrists may also recommend medications such as antidepressants to treat the underlying causes of binge eating, which can help regulate the parts of the brain that control mood. For binge eaters who are obese, weight-loss programs can help promote good nutritional habits, but may not treat the emotional and psychological triggers related to overeating.
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous (OA.org) helps binge eaters regulate their lives through a 12-step program. OA's goal is to not just treat the physical symptoms of binge eating, but to examine the root causes of the disorder. Similar to the 12 steps featured in Alcoholic Anonymous, the OA 12 steps include admitting you have a disorder, believing in a higher power to aid you in your recovery, making a list of people you have hurt because of your disorder and trying to make amends to each one, and asking God to rid you of your faults. OA allows binge eaters to access its website to find meeting locations in their area, and also offers online and phone meetings. All services are free.
