Binge Eating Disorder (BED): A Case Study

Introduction Bing eating is a form of addiction. Individuals who engage in overconsumption of food not due to hunger or metabolic need exhibit binge eating. The individual is often feels discomfort from the excessive eating. This food addiction is often accompanied by a sense of psychological distress and loss of control. Identified by Stunkard as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) the syndrome encompasses physical, behavioral and psychological factors.1 BED is associated with certain factors and behaviors: eating when not physically hungry, eating more rapidly than normal, eating alone because of shame, eating until uncomfortably full, and feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or guilty after overeating. BED is of highly subjective nature therefore …show more content…
Unlike drugs food is legal and abundant. The issue transcends socio-economic class since both rich and poor are at risk. Those with lower SES may be more at risk since the quality and nutritional value of the food decrease with the costs. Poor individuals often engage in food addiction with unhealthy food options. Due to the nature of the addiction, it is difficult to diagnose. People of all age, gender, ethnicity and SES may be affected while not being able to determine the diagnosis of the problem. Craving is a subject term which depends on the psychological experience of the individual.6 This will further cause confusion between the doctor and patient for any ethnicity. The problems of food addiction cross cultural boundaries and rely more on the individual’s specific decisions and control of eating habits. Those who are addicted may not have the …show more content…
However, as public health providers it is imperative to use the perspectives of the target population to educate and promote healthy behaviors. Since food addiction is tied together with psychological perspectives and the behaviors of the individual the promotion materials must be developed to initiate healthy behaviors and motives for eating. Food is used for sustenance, but the overconsumption and dependence on food is unhealthy. Through the local government agencies the design of community based programs to increase the awareness of food addiction should increase. Obesity is not a problem unaffected by other health issues. There is synergistic affect of health issues that can negatively impact the individual. Education should start in primary schools through college institutions. Food addiction can result from various stress factors or financial issues. Working class individuals may develop the addictive behavior. Prevention programs in the community should be created by local government. Companies with work life programs should implement promotion of health eating behaviors. There are several prevention programs geared toward preventing obesity; however they do not directly address food addiction and primary problem. By addressing the root issue of food addiction those who are addicted can admit and accept the problem and seek assistance as soon as possible, hopefully preventing the development