Brad Lamm Shares His Insight On Food Addiction

By Nadia Murdock

In this interview, Brad Lamm discusses the signs of binge eating disorder and experiences of recovery.

How can loved ones tell if someone is suffering from a Binge Eating Disorder?

The person who struggles with Binge Eating Disorder often exhibits one or more of the following behaviors:

• Eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eats much more rapidly than normal
• Eats until the point of feeling uncomfortably full
• Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment
• Has feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating
• Has a history of marked weight fluctuations

One of the first ways is simply fact checking with your eyes: what do you see in the one you love; their behaviors and on their body/health. While more than 70 million Americans are overweight or obese, not all will have a Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosis.

What usually triggers Binge eating? Is this a disorder that you are born with or brought on by traumatic stress?

“Binge eating disorders seem to result from a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors. Triggers for binge eating can include depression, anxiety, boredom, and anger. Studies show that binge eating disorders can run in families that put unnatural emphasis on food or use food as a reward. This is not to say that it is a disorder you are ONLY born with, but it can also be a negative coping skill used to deal with stressors in life.”

Who usually suffers from BED more men or women?

“According to the National Eating Disorder Association, BED affects women slightly more than men. Estimates indicate that 60% of people struggle with BED are female and 40% are male. We see more women accessing care for BED than men 3 to 1. So these statistics show is that women seek treatment more than men for the disorder.”

What are lifestyle practices that can help recovery go smoothly for those that suffer from the disorder?

“Practice makes sustainable (never perfect); integrating new habits with food, therapy, and moving the body will assist in creating new habits reinforced by success and lead to a more successful life.”

For more visit: https://bingemagazine.com/documentarian-brad-lamm-shares-his-insight-on-food-addiction/