Identifying stressors and acting on them early can prevent binge eating, say specialists
Why do people resort to binge eating? Can it be controlled? Can it be reversed? What kind of medical treatment are available and what are the modalities?
Experts emphasize that recognizing stressors and addressing them promptly can help prevent binge eating, as stated by Dr. Lakshmi Venkatraman, a consultant psychiatrist and assistant director of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services at SCARF. Dieting and food restrictions, too, contribute to the problem. The cycle starts when individuals consume more, feel guilty about their actions, experience a decline in self-esteem, which subsequently leads to binge eating and further guilt.
To break this cycle, Dr. Venkatraman suggests simple measures such as maintaining regular meals with all types of food, including favorites in moderation. Mindful eating, focusing on what one is consuming, and taking slow bites can also aid in preventing binge eating, she explains.
Dr. R.M. Anjana, managing director of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, highlights the importance of regulating what goes into our bodies, based on various studies conducted by the Foundation. When a person occasionally binges once a week and continues for three months, it should raise an alarm. Diet and physical activity, she explains, can prevent up to 50% of diabetes, while binge eating contributes to 15 to 20% of type 2 diabetes cases.
Bariatric surgeon P. Praveen Raj emphasizes the role of gut hormones in managing weight. The first step in treating obesity is conducting a thorough history of the patient's issues. Various hormones in the gut regulate satiety, appetite, and digestion; an imbalance in any of them could be the root cause of obesity. Treating both psychological reasons and any pathological abnormalities is crucial, he explains.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
