Understanding and Treating Binge Eating

 Reviews

This is another fine program from Human Relations Media, this time exploring the world of binge eating disorder (BED). Created for educators, it clearly targets a young adult audience and comes with chapter selections and a print Teacher’s Resource Guide for the instructor. 

The video profiles three young adults who successfully conquered their binge eating disorder. While all three share similar symptoms of the emotional side of the disorder, they each experienced different circumstances for regaining control in their lives and reaching a state of normalcy. Expert feedback is provided by the Clinical Director of the Renfrew Center, a residential eating disorder treatment facility. Adam, Stephanie, and Alanna—the three young people profiled in the film—each relate how food became a way of dealing with the stress and anxiety in their lives. How it slowly took control until they were out of control, creating social isolation and feelings of loneliness, depression, and shame. They all made their way back on different tracks, but each story illustrates the emotional, social, psychological and physical sides of eating disorders. 

Understanding and Treating Binge Eating manages in a brief 22 minutes to bring attention to this common disorder that is often overshadowed by its more well known cousin’s anorexia and bulimia. It clearly distinguishes the differences among these three eating disorders, outlines the characteristics of BED, the consequences, and how to get help. The film has two strong points. One is including Adam’s story, since most films on eating disorders seem to neglect a male point of view; and as the Renfrew Center’s Clinical Director points out, men struggle just as much as women with these types of disorders. Secondly, it stresses using a team approach in treating eating disorders to address the problem on all fronts. Recommended for high school through college level library collections, particularly those supporting health sciences education. 

- Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New York 
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

The stories of three young people who have struggled with binge eating and received treatment are the focus of this film. They describe the addictive, compulsive behaviors associated with the disorder and the shame and isolation they felt. While the stories these teens tell are different, they all ate as a way to try to fill a void or calm feelings of anxiety. Adam's struggle began when he was nine, after his parents divorced and he moved to a new community. When he finally sought help, he weighed 350 pounds. Documenting his weight loss and his adoption of a healthy lifestyle on YouTube affirmed his decision to take control and elicited a lot of support from the online community. Stephanie's insecurity wasn't allayed by her considerable academic and athletic achievements. Her binge eating controlled her life until, with her parents' support, she entered a treatment facility. Alanna, a competitive tennis player, found comfort in binging after a loss on the court. She sought treatment, and now runs a program that feeds the hungry and gives her a sense of value. The video is narrated by a former binge eater who is now a successful author, singer, and songwriter. A psychologist weighs in with advice on recognizing and treating the problem. Warning signs are presented and resources for treatment are given. Viewers will be moved by these stories.

—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH
School Library Journal