A team of researchers from McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, has discovered that the Alzheimer's drug Memantine may help curb binge eating episodes in people who suffer from the disorder.

"In their study, [study chief Dr. Brian] Brennan's team had 16 binge eaters take Memantine for 12 weeks. With treatment, the average number of binges per week fell significantly from 5.5 to 1.2 and the number of binge days per week dropped from 4.4 to 1.1, which was also significant."

The study also found that although binge episodes were reduced, the drug did not have an effect on body weight, depressive mood, or anxiety. Source: Reuters Health

Labels: binge_eating, drugs, medications

Life is often too fast-paced for us to stop and really enjoy what we're eating. Eating isn't an experience as much as a necessity. Sasha Loring, a psychotherapist at Duke University, says that taking time to savor and enjoy food could combat eating disorders.

"In a randomized controlled trial at Duke and Indiana State University, binge eaters who participated in a nine-week mindful-eating program went from bingeing an average of four times a week to once, and reduced their levels of insulin resistance."

The key to mindful eating is to slow down and take notice of what you're eating; take a bite, put down your fork, and pay attention to the smell, texture, and taste of your food. Another key is to approach food "non-judgmentally" - that is, try to leave guilt, fear, and anxiety at the door. Source: The Wall Street Journal

Learn more about Mindful Eating at Weight Loss Central.

Labels: binge_eating, meals, motivation

John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Scotland, has publicly admitted to a decade-long battle with bulimia. He revealed the information in hopes he could encourage others who struggle with the illness to get help.

"Mr. Prescott, whose autobiography is out next month, said he had decided to go public to help others. He said: 'I suffered from bulimia for about ten years. I want to say to millions of people who suffer from bulimia in silence to be more open about it and seek medical help, as I did.'"

In his memoirs, Prescott recalls resorting to binge eating as a way of coping with stress. He'd feel guilty about the overeating and would later purge everything. He also recalls feeling a "weird kind of pleasure" in vomiting. Prescott has been free from bulimia for about a year. Source: The Scotsman

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Labels: awareness, binge_eating, support

A teenage boy sits in his car and eats an entire pizza before driving home. He's feeling anxious and out of control, so he overeats; afterward, he feels bloated and ashamed.

"Losing weight is not a cure for binge-eating disorder, as the problem is driven by emotions rather than pounds. Research shows that while gastric bypass surgery may help people lose weight, it doesn't cure binge-eating disorder."

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for binge-eating disorder, though certain medications can help as well. Read more at Fredericksburg.com.

Labels: binge_eating, emotions, feelings

Researchers at the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders are studying a baffling eating disorder called "sleep-eating." Much like sleep-walking, sleep-eating sufferers are alert enough to respond to questions but are not aware that they binge-eat while asleep.

"During testing, researchers found one woman munching on brownies in her sleep. After each bite, she used her pinky to shove any remaining bits in her mouth... Another woman captured on tape gulped a soda after eating in her sleep."

Sleep experts believe sleep-eating is caused by a problem with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls "basic behaviors." Read more at NewsNet5.com.

Labels: binge_eating, brain_chemistry, sleep

From pre-Halloween through the Super Bowl parties, people who struggle with compulsive eating find themselves in a season where every social gathering is fashioned around food. It's often considered the single most difficult time of the year for compulsive eaters.

"There is enormous social pressure to eat... Social messages connect food to celebration, love, entertainment, socializing, etc., which increase the tendency to overeat. This all comes at a time of year when other activities are becoming less available due to changes in the weather. Food then becomes overly important as a way to satisfy emotional needs..."

Emotions are a primary driving force behind compulsive eating and include intense feelings of remorse and guilt. Someone who struggles with overeating needs to be aware of his or her "triggers" and seek support from friends and family.

Labels: binge_eating, recovery, support