Teen Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Although not as common as anorexia or bulimia, binge eating disorders affect the health of thousands of teenagers across the United States each year. But what is binge eating? And how dangerous is it to the health and well-being of a young person?
What is a Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating is an eating disorder in which the individual eats large amounts of food uncontrollably. Binge eating is similar to bulimia, but without the purging behavior that follows eating. Individuals who suffer from binge eating disorder often experience extreme weight gain and may suffer from a variety of health problems including diabetes. The binge eater feels a profound lack of control over their eating habits.
Teenagers and Binge Eating Disorder
A growing problem in the teen eating disorder community, adolescent binge eating is now listed just behind anorexia and bulimia in terms of frequency in those between the ages of 12 and 17. The teen binge eater will engage in the behavior alone, away from friends and family. They eat whether they are hungry or full, and often feel ashamed of their actions immediately following the behavior.
One primary difference between binge eating and other eating disorders is that it strikes young men and women almost equally (as opposed to bulimia and anorexia which are found predominantly in girls and young women).
Why do Teens Develop Binge Eating Disorders?
There a number of environmental and emotional reasons why teenagers develop binge eating disorders, including:
- Stress at school
- Relationship problems
- Conflict at home
- Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
- Genetic predisposition for the condition
With the exception of genetic issues, all these cases involve teens who use eating as a means of self-medicating. It is an attempt to combat the pain that they are experiencing in their lives for a variety of reasons. Eating provides comfort - it is a way to cope with stress and anxiety.
Tips for Helping a Teen with a Binge Eating Disorder
Parents of children who may have a binge eating disorder are urged to employ some of the following strategies to help control the behavior:
- Talk to the child about their eating habits. Without being judgmental, explain the consequences of binge eating and how it can impact one's future.
- Provide healthier alternatives. Having healthier, more natural products in the house will not solve the problem, but will keep the teen away from high levels of processed foods and preservatives.
- Help the child cope with stress. If stress and anxiety cause the binge eating behavior, work with your child to find more positive outlets when they feel angry or stressed.
If the binge eating problem persists, it is time to contact a professional and get the teenager into a counseling or eating disorder treatment program.
Groundbreaking treatment for teens with a binge eating disorder can be found at Newport Academy in Newport Beach, California. At Newport Academy teens and their families are given a safe place to heal, and learn how overcome eating disorders through the most progressive physical and psychological treatment available. Contact Newport Academy today for more information.
