How is binge eating disorder treated?

BED often causes obesity however, treatment for obesity is not the same thing as seeking treatment for BED. Obesity is a medical condition, where BED is a psychological condition. And while obesity is often a result of BED and they need to be treated together, there are aspects of treatment that are distinct, especially when obesity related disease is concerned. For example, intuitive eating is commonly promoted as a practice in the treatment of all eating disorders, BED in particular. “Intuitive eating” an approach to eating that teaches you how to create a healthy relationship with your food, mind, and body by distinguishing between physical and emotional feelings. In intuitive eating food is not labeled good or bad, and no foods are forbidden. For many people struggling with BED the idea of being able to eat something that is considered forbidden, like cookies or other sweets, can be very empowering and a relief to the all or nothing mentality associated with BED. However, if someone with BED is obese and has insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, having cookies or other sweets (even in moderation) may be hazardous to health as it will affect blood sugar and requires insulin adjustment. In this case there is a necessary balance between what is medically required for health (such as no sweets) and what is mentally beneficial. In this situation the necessary dietary restrictions of type 2 diabetes may very well play right into the BED mentality of all or nothing thus perpetuating BED.