Binge Eating Disorder

Have you tried over and over again to reach a healthier weight and been unsuccessful? Or have you tried to control portions, not eat after 6pm, avoid sugars and carbs, etc., and been unsuccessful? Have you ever felt so ashamed of eating something unhealthy you cry as you eat and yet – still eat it?

It may not be just lack of self-control. It may be something stronger than that – Binge Eating Disorder. This mental disorder is characterized by frequent binge eating, feelings of self-loathing while eating and after, and unlike other eating disorders, the sufferer doesn’t attempt to make up for the binge by vomiting or overeating. It can lead to weight problems and associated issues as well as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In fact, in its own way, it is a form of substance abuse. Food addicts can use what they eat the same way alcoholics or drug-users abuse their substance of choice – as a way to cope with stress.

Granger medical physician Dr. Sheetal Shah is familiar with the many ways stress can lead to weight gain, binge eating, and health problems. A bariatric specialist (or doctor that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity) she recognizes there can be many factors that lead to weight gain.

Her four-part lecture series addresses several of the main reasons weight gain occurs and how to establish healthy lifestyle habits that can lead to weight loss. Her next class, August 18th, is titled “Stress Management and Mindful Eating”. If you think you may have stress-related food issues, this class is a must.

If you identify with several of the following statements, Dr. Shah’s class could be the first step towards healthy changes:
From helpguide.org:

Behavioral symptoms of binge eating and compulsive overeating

• Inability to stop eating or control what you’re eating
• Rapidly eating large amounts of food
• Eating even when you’re full
• Hiding or stockpiling food to eat later in secret
• Eating normally around others, but gorging when you’re alone
• Eating continuously throughout the day, with no planned mealtimes

Emotional symptoms of binge eating and compulsive overeating

• Feeling stress or tension that is only relieved by eating
• Embarrassment over how much you’re eating
• Feeling numb while bingeing—like you’re not really there or you’re on auto-pilot
• Never feeling satisfied, no matter how much you eat
• Feeling guilty, disgusted, or depressed after overeating
• Desperation to control weight and eating habits

Dr. Shah’s class is held at Granger Medical West Jordan, 3818 West 9000 S, Suite 205, West Jordan, UT, 84088. The class begins at 5:30 pm, and costs $20 dollars. Call 801.569.5565 to reserve your space, and begin making the healthy changes your body deserves.