Binge Eating and the Holidays

The holiday season is prime time for shameless overeating in the name of tradition and celebratory fun. But for many people, the holidays present a special kind of challenge.

Rather than eating an extra cookie or two, or splurging on pumpkin pie, individuals with binge eating disorder may go on dangerous food benders, consuming thousands of calories in one sitting. Compulsive overeaters have physical cravings and signs of food addiction, often using junk food to cope with painful emotions.

As a result, a binge eater may gain five to 15 pounds in the last couple months of the year alone. This extra weight is likely to stick around for the rest of the year, and may exacerbate existing emotional issues by layering in feelings of shame and guilt. Since the weight gain is gradual, compulsive overeaters may not realize the extent of the damage and struggle to find the motivation to seek treatment for their food addiction.

Some of the reasons people binge eat around the holidays include:

  • Depression or Anxiety
  • Unfulfilled Expectations
  • Stress
  • Family Conflict
  • More Opportunities and Justifications to Overeat

 

Rather than binging on nutritious foods, most binge eaters overindulge on fast food, cookies, chips and other unhealthy options. While the food may ease difficult feelings for a few minutes, the added weight and feelings of powerlessness create much bigger problems in the long run. Some binge eaters eventually develop bulimia, vomiting the excess food in order to maintain their weight.

Treating Binge Eating Disorder

The holidays are an excellent time to seek help for binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating – before more damage is done. Treatment for binge eating disorder may include:

  • Meal Planning
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical-Behavior Therapy
  • Emphasis on Behavioral and Lifestyle Change
  • Support Groups (such as Overeaters Anonymous)
  • 12-Step Principles
  • Family Therapy
  • Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness Training
  • Coping Skills Training

 

With new life skills and a healthier relationship with food, compulsive overeaters and binge eaters can finally be free year-round to enjoy nutritious foods without shame or guilt or the health risks of being overweight.