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Myths about binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder happens when a person tends to overeat. It is generally accompanied by a feeling of being out of control. There are certain myths associated with it. Some of the most common myths are that it is yet to be treated and also that it is misinterpreted as bulimia. Here are some of the myths often perceived by many people.

Binge eating is not a real disorder.

There are many people who presume that binge eating disorder is not real and should not be considered serious. The myth that binge eating is not a genuine disorder however holds no truth. On the contrary, binge eating is an actual medical condition which has been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The evidence does not support the misconception that people customarily use it as a pretext to continue eating. In fact, the Manual categorized binge eating as one which should not be neglected.

Binge eaters lack willpower.

This is another widely spread belief that people diagnosed with binge eating lack or do not have willpower to control their compulsions. However, several binge eaters may be found highly determined and focused pertaining to their personal as well as professional lives. Not many people would realize this but binge eating disorder induces people to eat more as seamlessly as alcoholism compels people to drink. Although there is no strong evidential support for this, the disorder has been believed to trigger certain regions of the brain, just exactly the way heroin or cocaine provokes specific brain regions in substance abusers.

Binge eating disorder does not affect children.

Many people suppose that binge eating affects only adolescents. Nevertheless, there is no certainty to the myth. Binge eating behavior has, rather, been witnessed in kids as young as six years old. Therefore, it is extremely crucial for parents to consult a child psychiatrist or psychologist if they observe any symptoms of binge eating disorder in their children. If a child hides food, sneaks eating items or experiences some difficulty in controlling their compulsion for food on a consistent basis, parents must pay attention to such changes in their children’s behavior and bring it to the notice of a health care practitioner.

Binge eating disorder occurs only amongst women.

Another commonly misinterpreted aspect is that the disorder arises only among women. Though it is frequently discovered that women are more prone to developing eating disorders, men happen to suffer from disorders in eating patterns as well. According to certain studies, nearly two percent of American men tend to have binge eating disorder whereas the women ratio comes to about three to five percent in comparison. Almost one in five eating disorders of any sort is diagnosed amongst men.

Binge eaters do not know when to stop eating.

Many people misconceive that binge eating patients simply do not realize when to control and stop eating. However, it is not true. There are, in fact, several binge eaters who know about portion control. The mere difference is that binge eating coerces people to move beyond their ideal eating limit and go beyond their capacity. Thereby, resulting either into the food being spoiled or dropped all over the floor. It may be hard to believe but many binge eating disorder patients feel that they have lost their ability to enjoy food.

Surgery is the only key to recovery.

There might be incidences where certain forms of weight loss surgeries or gastric bypass surgery lessen or help eliminate diabetes and other physical problems induced by obesity. But, the truth is that a surgery procedure cannot eliminate the psychological disorder which compels people to overeat or indulge in binge eating. In fact, after the weight loss surgery, some former binge eating disorder sufferers discover that they are not able to eat as much food as they used to do once. This eventually worsens the situation at times and may result into compulsive shopping or heavy drinking in certain cases.

Doctors are the go to experts.

Although doctors should always be consulted if any problem arises, they may not be the best expert to recommend and treat a patient diagnosed with a binge eating disorder. Therefore, for anyone who has the disorder or has any closed one suffering from the eating disorder, it is significantly important to consult a reliable dietitian or psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders. Settling upon adopting some professional advice and much needed insights won’t only help ease binge eating disorder, but will also ensure that the patient learns how to recognize their feelings and emotions and control their compulsion to eat with utmost effectiveness.

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