Binge eating disorder (also known as bulimia) is a medical term used to describe the behavior of uncontrollable and constant eating. If you think you have no self-control when eating; you think about food almost all day long; you eat secretly; you use food as an outlet to relieve stress and boredom; you want to stop eating but can’t, and you feel bad about yourself because of it If you feel unhappy, you may suffer from bulimia.

Additionally, bulimia is very common and can occur at any age. For some people, bulimia may come and go. If they are not aware that they have this disease and ignore it, it may have negative effects on their health, such as obesity.

Symptoms of bulimia

1. Eat a lot and can’t stop.
   
2. Not being able to control what I eat.
   
3. Even if I am full I still want to continue eating.
   
4. Will hoard food.
   
5. Thinking that eating is the only way to feel better makes you feel ashamed or guilty after eating.
   
6. I am always hungry and want to eat.
   
7. Worry about your weight.

When to see a doctor

If you have any of the above symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone’s body is different. If you have other symptoms not listed, you can also consult your doctor.
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Causes of Bulimia

The following are possible causes of bulimia:

1. Have psychological problems related to eating
   
2. Loneliness, low self-esteem, or depression
   
3. Genetic inheritance
   
4. Influenced by the society and culture to which they belong
   
5. Intense obsession with body-shaming

Risk factors for bulimia

Risk factors that easily affect the development of bulimia include: living habits, mentality, psychological status, and genetic inheritance.

Diagnosis and treatment of bulimia

The following information is not a medical diagnosis. For further information, please consult a physician.

How to Diagnose Bulimia

Doctors will ask patients about their past eating habits and the length of time related symptoms have existed to try to find the cause of the disease. Sometimes doctors will also perform some tests on patients.

3 ways to treat bulimia

There are 3 effective treatments for bulimia:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
   This therapy can increase patients’ awareness of their thoughts and emotions, thereby changing their behavior.
   
2. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT):
   Also known as interpersonal therapy, it focuses on improving the patient’s relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
   
3. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):
   This therapy trains patients’ self-control and emotional behavior.

In addition, group counseling therapy led by professionals may also have a positive impact on patients.

Life adjustment and home therapy to improve bulimia

Regarding life adjustments and home therapy to improve bulimia, the following methods may help patients cope with bulimia:

1. Because the problems with binge eating disorder all originate from the patient’s psychology, recognizing this fact may help to start change.
   
2. The feeling of craving for food in patients with bulimia is mostly due to emotions. Therefore, it is very helpful for people with bulimia to learn to identify the real feeling of hunger and set time rules for eating. For example, they can only eat 3 meals a day, plus a small snack in the afternoon. helpful.
   
3. When the urge to eat strikes, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Why do you have to eat now? Can I wait to eat it? What am I feeling now? These problems may help suppress appetite and prevent people from eating.
   
4. Develop healthy habits such as exercising regularly, sleeping well, and discussing your concerns with a professional. If you have any other questions, please consult your physician.