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Binge Eating or Compulsive Overeating is generally defined as the consumption of large amounts of food within a short period of time. This behavior is often utilized as a coping mechanism to manage low self esteem, perfectionism, dichotomous (black and white) thinking and impulsivity. A cycle of depression and anxiety, difficulty managing interpersonal stressors and the accompanying emotions, may also trigger the behaviors. These “triggers” drive the binge eating or overeating behaviors, providing only temporary comfort or relief.
The consequences of binge eating or compulsive overeating are many. Oftentimes, shame, humiliation, guilt, disgust and increased depression follow the behaviors, creating an urge to binge yet again. Along with the emotional toll, the physical effects of being caught in this vicious cycle are just as detrimental and can damage the body in many ways. Therefore, learning how to manage these destructive patterns of behavior are critical.
A cognitive restructuring of beliefs about food, weight, self image and self worth, better managing anxiety and depression, as well as implementing sound nutritional habits are taught. A variety of skills and techniques are both taught and reinforced to help one understand and tolerate the negative emotions that create the urges to binge and overeat in the first place.
Binge eating and overeating are NOT about willpower, but rather about understanding the components of this disorder and having the skills to master them.
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