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Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects

Learn about various binge eating disorder side effects and available treatment options for this disorder.

Table of Contents

Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects: Overview

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a mental health condition where someone eats a lot of food quickly and often. Binge eating can create social, physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties. This article discusses binge eating disorder side effects ranging from mild to severe. It also looks at the short-term and long-term results of binge eating and how to treat it.

Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects

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What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is when someone eats a lot of food quickly and experiences negative feelings afterward. People with BED might not be able to control how much they eat during these times. Sometimes they eat when they’re not even hungry. This is different from occasional overeating, which happens to most people. BED can impact a person’s physical, emotional, and social health.1

Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects

There are many binge eating disorder side effects that affect different areas of one’s life. These will be detailed below.

Social Side Effects of Binge Eating Disorder

People who have BED might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their eating habits. They might also feel low self-esteem, which makes it hard for them to make and maintain friends. They might stop doing things with other people – especially when food is involved – which can lead to feelings of social isolation. This can further perpetuate the cycle of BED.

Physical Side Effects of Binge Eating Disorder

Overeating can make someone gain weight. This can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It can also cause joint pain, digestion problems, and trouble breathing while sleeping. Some people with BED may try to make themselves throw up or use medicine to go to the bathroom, but this can make them even sicker. These physical impacts can lead to long-term damage.

Emotional Side Effects of Binge Eating Disorder

BED can have detrimental impacts on a person’s self-esteem and emotional wellness. Individuals with binge eating disorder may experience feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. When people have BED, they might forget about what’s really important to them, like their beliefs and values. They might start to care too much about food and their body, instead of dealing with their deeper needs. 

Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects: an Overview

BED can have both short-term and long-term impacts on a person’s life. Some of these consequences are detailed below.

Short-Term Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects

Short-term consequences of binge eating disorder refer to the immediate effects after a binge episode. These can include physical discomfort, such as bloating and indigestion, as well as feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of control. Binge eating can also lead to social isolation and withdrawal, as individuals may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their behavior. 
In some cases, binge eating can also interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. These include work, school, and relationships. It’s important to seek help and support to address these short-term consequences and prevent them from escalating into more severe long-term effects.2

Long-Term Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder Side Effects

BED can have long-term consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health. Some of these consequences include:3
  • Obesity: Consistent overeating can result in obesity. This elevates the chances of developing diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Binge eating can cause gastrointestinal issues. These include bloating, constipation, and acid reflux.
  • Mental health problems: BED can increase the risk of developing mental health problems. These include depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
  • Social isolation: BED can lead to social isolation and decreased participation in activities. This can further exacerbate mental health issues.
  • Eating disorders: BED can lead to the development of other eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia.
  • Chronic health conditions: The long-term consequences of BED can lead to the development of chronic health conditions that require ongoing medical attention and treatment.

Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder

There are several treatment options for binge eating disorder. These include:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with binge eating.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT concentrates on enhancing communication skills and relationships.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT combines individual therapy and group skills training to help individuals regulate their emotions and cope with stressors.
  • Medication-assisted treatment: Medications such as antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs help manage symptoms.
  • Nutritional counseling: This is used to establish healthy eating patterns and address nutrient deficiencies.
  • Support groups: Peer groups like Overeaters Anonymous provide a sense of community and encouragement during recovery.

Self-Help Strategies

Self-help strategies can also be effective in managing binge eating disorder side effects. These may include:4
  • Keeping a food diary to track eating patterns and identify triggers for binge eating
  • Practicing mindful eating and paying attention to the experience of eating without judgment or distraction
  • Participating in routine physical activity that can aid in decreasing stress levels and enhancing overall health
  • Seeking support from family and friends or joining a support group for individuals with binge eating disorder.
binge eating disorder side effects

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment at Alternative Options

If you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating disorder side effects, recovery is possible. Alternative Options is here to help you on your recovery journey. You can be sure that you will receive the care and support you need to overcome this challenging disorder.

What We Offer

At Alternative Options, we understand that every person’s recovery journey is different. Our team of caring and compassionate professionals will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. 

We offer a wide variety of treatment options. These include psychotherapy, family counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and peer support groups. We also offer more holistic approaches, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises.

Contact Alternative Options Today

You do not have to deal with binge eating disorder side effects and recovery alone. Reach out to Alternative Options today for more information about our available treatment options.

Resources

1 https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed

2 https://www.psychguides.com/eating-disorder/binge-eating/

3 https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/binge-eating-disorder#long-term-effects-of-binge-eating-disorder

4 https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/binge-eating-disorder-treatment

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