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Binge Eating Disorder Vs Bulimia Nervosa

Binge-Disorder-Vs-Bulimia-Nervosa

Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa are both eating disorders, but both are different. Eating nutritious food is certainly a good goal, and most people focus on it to have a healthy life. But when you start overthinking and worrying excessively about what you eat and how much you eat to the point where it impairs your ability to function, you may have an eating disorder.

Differentiate between Normal Eating Behavior and Eating Disorder

Everyone is concerned about their diet. But how can we come to know that is this a normal behavior or an eating disorder? Weight can indicate an eating disorder, but it certainly is not the only indicator. Eating disorders are found across all ages, social classes, gender, sizes, educational levels, races, and ethnicities.

It is difficult to know normal eating behavior and what is not? Because stereotypes in society about a person’s appearance and who is affected. It can be a natural barrier in getting help for the people who need professional help.

Eating Disorder Statistics

  • In the U.S, at least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from eating disorders.
  • The most common eating disorder in both genders is Binge Eating Disorder.
  • 2.8% of American adults suffer from Binge Eating disorders.
  • 1.5% of American women suffer from bulimia nervosa in their lifetime.

Common Eating Disorders

The most common three types of eating disorders are

  1. Anorexia
  2. Bulimia
  3. Binge-Eating Disorder

These eating disorders affect both genders.

Anorexia: This disorder is marked by an intense fear of gaining weight. A person affected by anorexia often has an unrealistic view of body size and shape. The first step towards the cure is to stop living in fear.

Bulimia: This eating disorder is also known as a binge-purge syndrome. The marked symptom of this disorder is frequent rapid-compulsive overeating followed by purging to avoid gaining weight. It may include forced vomiting and obsessive exercising. Physical exercises can help burn the taken carbs and calories.

Binge Eating Disorder: This disorder is marked by out-of-control eating until the person feels uncomfortably full, resulting in self-disgust and embarrassment. People with binge eating disorders do not purge.

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Causes of Eating Disorders

Experts are not clear on what causes Binge or Bulimia Nervosa to develop. However, they believe it may be due to a combination of complex biological and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors

Studies reveal that you may be more likely to develop an eating disorder if you have one family member. But more research is needed to determine whether it is truly a genetic or learned behavior.

Emotional Health

People with mental health issues such as shaking from anxiety, trauma, or different depression causes are more likely to develop eating disorders.

Pressure of Society

Our society has some ideas of body image. Unfortunately, these ideals of society about body image, self-worth, and success are equated with the thinness of the body, putting pressure on the person.

Binge Eating Disorder Vs Bulimia Nervosa – The Differences

EffectsBinge Eating DisorderBulimia Nervosa
Obsessive
Eating
A large number of calories are
consumed and no action to eliminate
the calories. Night Eating Syndrome
causes an increased appetite in
the evening and insomnia.
They may have complete or
partial amnesia for obsessive
eating during the night.
A large amount of food is consumed,
and a person takes some sort of action
to eliminate or burn consumed food calories.
SignsFrequent out-of-control eating
in a short time. As a result,
the person feels uncomfortable
due to compulsive overeating.
They keep their condition a secret
because of self-disgust
and embarrassment.
People with Binge Eating
disorders do not purge.
A person with this disorder,
eliminate food (purge),
someone may vomit, take a laxative,
or participate in excessive exercise to burn
calories.
They purge food to avoid gaining
weight. They cannot control their
compulsive eating and do rapid
overeating followed by purging.
Health
Outcome
The most common problems are
Obesity, High BP,
High Cholesterol, Cardiac Issues,
types of Arthritis
Health consequences can be much more
severe such as Dehydration, Abnormal heart rhythms
that can lead to death, Serious gastrointestinal
tract complications, Thyroid abnormalities,
Severe dental complications,
Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment Options to Treat Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa

consulting-to-doctor

Several treatments are available to treat both binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.

Your doctor may recommend a combination of talk therapies, prescription medications, and rehabilitation to treat either condition.

Goals of Eating Disorder Treatment

  • The main focus of the treatment is to address the underlying cause of the condition.
  • The second goal of the treatment is to improve your relationship with food.
  • And the third goal is to modify any unhealthy behaviors.

Medical Treatment

The medical treatment option for bulimia nervosa appears to be a little promising, but it has not shown significant efficacy for treating Binge Eating disorders.

Psychological Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is very effective in treating. Eating disorder psychologists use talk therapy and behavioral modification techniques to address past trauma. Your therapist’s primary goal is to help you motivate yourself for extreme Bulimia weight loss.

And your therapist will also help you develop practical, healthy ways to deal with your triggers.

In the case of adolescents and children, Family Therapy aims to empower parents by improving communication between them. It also helps them to learn new ways to deal with their children.

Your mental health professional may recommend a support group. Eating Disorder Support group provides you the opportunity to learn from others’ experience.

Outpatient or Inpatient

Most of the time, outpatient treatment is the preferred approach. You visit your doctor or therapist regularly and can sleep in the comforts of your own home. You can continue your daily routine of school or work.

Sometimes, inpatient Eating Disorder treatment may become necessary if you cannot comply with outpatient treatment.

  • Or if your health is at risk like
  • You are at risk of severe complications
  • Your weight loss is critical
  • Signs of excessive misuse of laxatives or diet pills
  • You are experiencing severe depression or anxiety and demonstrating suicidal behaviors.

What is the Point of View?

Eating Disorders are treatable through a combination of behavioral modifications, medications, and counseling. However, recovery is complex, and relapse is possible.

But your high motivation can help you achieve a healthy life, help you stay on track, and reduce your risk of relapse.

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