Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders in America. Making certain changes to your lifestyle can help reduce symptoms of this debilitating condition.
Binge eating disorder can overtake your life. The condition can affect your physical and mental health, relationships and financial stability. If you do not seek proper treatment for binge eating disorder, you can experience severe health effects, such as heart disease or diabetes.
However, binge eating disorder doesn’t have to dictate your life. Learning how to overcome binge eating disorder can help you live a more fulfilling life. If you experience binge eating disorder, you can take several steps to control your symptoms.
Medications for Binge Eating Disorder
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration approved Vyvanse as the first medication to treat moderate- to- severe binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is a stimulant that is typically used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
According to Mayo Clinic, other medications that can control symptoms of binge eating disorder include:
- Topamax: Topamax is typically used to treat seizures, but the medication has also shown to reduce binge-eating episodes.
- Antidepressants: Many people with binge-eating disorder deal with depressive thoughts that can be managed with antidepressant medications.
While these drugs can help manage binge eating disorder, they cannot cure the condition. Many people with binge eating disorder take medications prescribed by a physician and participate in psychotherapy. Treatment for binge eating disorder often involves the combination of therapy and medications.
Tips for Overcoming Binge Eating Disorder Without Medication
Medications are not always needed to reduce symptoms of binge eating disorder. Some people with the condition make lifestyle changes that help them deal with their binge-eating episodes and other mental health disorders.
The Counseling Center at Brigham Young University — Idaho offers several tips regarding how to deal with eating disorders, like binge eating disorder:
- Speak to a doctor or conduct research to learn more about binge eating disorder
- Engage in physical activity, such as regularly going for a walk or jog
- Cope with your emotions by writing in a journal or participating in meditation practices, such as yoga
- Avoid using food to improve your mood
- Plan times for meals and snacks
- Celebrate life achievements without food
To reduce symptoms of binge eating disorder, do not skip meals. Skipping meals can increase your likelihood of experiencing intense food cravings that result in binge eating. Stick to a regular, healthy meal plan to avoid dealing with these cravings.
According to the Binge Eating Disorder Association, failing to get adequate sleep can contribute to binge eating episodes. The organization states that a link exists between sleep deprivation and an increased loss of control eating in the evening, typically before bedtime.
You could also reach out to others who have experienced binge eating disorder. These individuals might provide you with suggestions for managing your binge eating disorder. Learning tips for controlling the condition from others can help you better understand binge eating disorder.
Many people with binge eating disorder also engage in substance abuse. They might use drugs or alcohol to cope with binge eating disorder and the negative feelings that the condition can cause.
If you experience addiction and binge eating disorder, contact The Recovery Village to learn how treatment for co-occurring disorders can help you reduce substance abuse and symptoms of an eating disorder.
Passmore, Kim, Smith, Melissa & Taylor, Melissa. “Presentation Outline: 10 Ways to Prevent an Eating Disorder.” BYU Idaho, (n.d.). Accessed January 15, 2019.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.