Tag Archives: binge eating disorder

Eating Disorders in College

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It is not unusual to occasionally feel low self-esteem about your appearance.  So, what is the difference between having a bad day and suffering from an eating disorder? An eating disorder is more than just a diet – it is marked by extreme behaviors and feelings. Symptoms can range from an extreme fear of gaining weight to an extreme obsession with exercise.

Eating disorders afflict many and college students are not an exception. Much like high school, the new life is stressful because it takes time to adjust to a new environment. Unlike high school, individuals have more alone time and freedom in controlling their lives. If an individual develops an eating disorder, the college environment is a perfect place where they can continue their routine. New stress and social pressure can also create anxiety as individuals turn to controlling their weight in order to cope with what’s going on in their life. The stereotype of the “freshman 15”, gaining 15 pounds or more during freshman year, also intensifies the pressure to scrutinize one’s weight. A lifestyle of junk food, staying up late and excess drinking can have a toll on one’s body. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 20% of college students have some type of eating disorder.

Whether it is eating once a day or binge eating, college students can especially be prone to anorexia, bulimia or any other combination types of eating disorder. If your son, daughter, friend or loved one is suffering from an eating disorder while away at college, it may be harder to give them the support and treatment that they need. Remember, no matter how hard it may be to accept, it is the individual is the one that has to accept and follow through with the treatment. Eating disorders are becoming more common on college campuses and it is helpful to look for resource and other information online:

Psychological Impact of College Can Influence Eating Disorders
Handling Eating Disorders When Your Teen Goes to College
College Eating Disorders Affect Campus Life

Afflicted by Eating Disorders

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With unrealistic images of celebrities and cultural obsessions with the ideal body, it is not surprising that 70 million individuals are affected by eating disorders worldwide. Studies show that as many as 1 in 5 women suffer from an eating disorder. This is not only a female affliction as 10 – 15% of males are amongst the diagnosed.

There are many different types of eating disorders and it is possible for an individual to suffer from more than one disorder:

  • Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a low body weight and a distortion of body image. It is a crippling fear of gaining weight.
  • Binge eating is distinguished by periods impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.Bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives to lose weight, over exercising and even binge eating.
  • Over exercising is when an individual takes exercising to an extreme. Characterizations include scheduling daily activities around exercise and exercising for long periods of time to the point of fatigue.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatment may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient transition back to a healthy life.

So, if you or anyone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatments may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient

Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorders

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Binge eating is disorder characterized by an unhealthy attitude towards food. Individuals suffering from this disease require immediate eating disorder treatment in order to save them from further and worse effects of binge eating.

Eating disorder treatment for binge eating involves psychotherapy. This is because binge eaters are usually those who have low self-esteem and are suffering self-disgust due to their “unacceptable” body shape, weight and form. Psychotherapy may be done on a one-on-one basis or as a group.

Specific medications may also be used in the treatment of binge eating. Among the medications that are used in most eating disorder treatment are Topamax and Meridia. Topamax is an anti-convulsant topiramate that is used to control seizures and in binge eating control. Meridia is an FDA-approved antidepressant treatment for long-term obesity. This medication suppresses hunger and creates a feeling of fullness despite skipping meals.

Weight-loss programs also help curb binge eating disorders. Some weight loss programs use medications as part of its program while others don’t. Weight loss programs may also include low calorie diet.