Quick Links: Quiz: Does Your Teen Have Binge Eating Disorder? | All Binge Eating Disorder in Teens Resources
Binge eating is a type of eating disorder characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short amount of time - followed by feelings of shame, guilt and loss of control. It is a troubling teen health disorder that often begins in adolescence in both females and males.
There is usually no purging behavior associated with this disorder, but there may be extreme efforts to diet or fast in between periods of overeating. The feelings of distress most troubled teens experience following episodes of binge eating create a dysfunctional cycle of behavior: eating in an effort to feel better but soon feeling worse, and turning again to food with the hope of finding relief.
The Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder in Teens
Physical Signs
- Uncontrollable eating on a regular basis
- Periods of excessive eating
- Eating large amounts of food even when not hungry
- Consuming food quickly in a short period of time
- Eating alone due to shame about the quantity of food eaten
- Hiding or stockpiling food, keeping a 'stash' of food or unhealthy snacks
- Significant weight gain
- Eating continuously throughout the day
- Continuing to eat until uncomfortably full
- Missing social events in order to eat
- Frequent dieting with minimal or no results
Emotional Signs
- Eating impulsively when upset
- Feelings of shame, disgust or guilt after overeating
- Feeling powerless or out of control in regards to how much food is consumed, or how quickly
- Thinking or talking about food all the time
- Self-conscious about body shape or size
The Impact of Binge Eating Disorder on Teens
Physical Impact
- Frequent headaches
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Menstrual problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Heart disease
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
Psychological Impact
- Development or worsening of depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Substance abuse
Teens with binge eating disorder are at high risk to develop serious emotional, physical and social problems which make them feel evem worse and continue the cycle of overeating. If you have any concerns your teen be developing a binge eating disorder seek professional assistance from a mental health professional or a physician - early intervention is key in helping a troubled teen with an eating disorder.
Quick Links: Quiz: Does Your Teen Have Binge Eating Disorder? | All Binge Eating Disorder in Teens Resources
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