Binge Eating
Restore Balance, Confidence, and Emotional Clarity in Watertown, SD
Do you find yourself eating large amounts of food in a short period, often in secret, and beyond physical hunger? Are these episodes followed by guilt, shame, or a sense of loss of control? If so, you may be experiencing binge eating disorder (BED), the most common eating disorder in the United States.
At Root Function Wellness in Watertown, South Dakota, we understand how disordered eating patterns can impact your mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. We offer Exomind, a noninvasive, FDA-cleared brain stimulation therapy that supports impulse control, mood regulation, and more balanced eating behaviors. This cutting-edge therapy is especially helpful when traditional psychotherapy or medications haven’t provided lasting relief.
Take the first step toward a calmer, healthier relationship with food. Book your consultation at Root Function Wellness today.
Understanding Binge Eating
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), binge eating disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating: consuming unusually large quantities of food in a short period, typically accompanied by a sense of being out of control.
Unlike other eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, BED is not followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise, or laxative use. It can lead to serious health problems over time, including obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of
Binge Eating Disorder
- Eating rapidly or past the point of fullness
- Eating when not physically hungry
- Hiding or hoarding food
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
- Feeling shame, guilt, or distress after eating
- Frequent attempts to stop followed by relapse
- Low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with body image or body shape
While often associated with adolescents, BED also has a high prevalence among adults, especially those dealing with hormonal changes, stress, or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
What Causes Binge Eating?
Binge eating rarely has a single cause. It is often driven by a mix of biological, emotional, and environmental risk factors, and may involve neurological patterns similar to other forms of addiction or compulsion.
Common Contributing Factors:
- Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety, trauma, or ADHD may increase vulnerability to binge eating.
- Family History & Genetics: A history of eating disorders, obesity, or mood disorders in family members increases risk.
- Dieting & Restrictive Eating Habits: Repeated cycles of restriction can trigger binge eating behaviors.
- Hormonal Shifts: Menopause, perimenopause, and related hormonal fluctuations may increase emotional eating.
- Emotional Distress: Stress, grief, or unresolved trauma often drive the urge to self-soothe with food.
- Social Stigma: Cultural pressure around body shape and unrealistic beauty standards can create shame and isolation.
- Medication Side Effects: Some individuals experience increased food intake or cravings from medications, including antidepressants.
Binge eating is not a failure of willpower; it is a behavioral and emotional response rooted in real mental health and neurological challenges.
How EXOMIND™ Addresses Binge Eating
EXOMIND™ is an advanced form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that uses noninvasive, FDA-approved magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain involved in impulse regulation, emotional control, and decision-making.
Specifically, Exomind targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region shown in psychiatry research to be underactive in individuals with binge eating disorder and other forms of disordered eating. By stimulating these neural pathways, Exomind promotes greater cognitive control, reduces cravings, and helps retrain your brain’s relationship with food.
It can also be a helpful option for those who have not responded to standard treatment plans or want to avoid the side effects of long-term medication use.
Benefits of EXOMIND™
- Reduced intensity and frequency of binge eating behaviors
- Better cognitive function and decision-making around food
- Increased emotional regulation during stress
- Support for co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety
- No need for sedation, medication, or downtime
- Can enhance the effectiveness of CBT, DBT, or interpersonal psychotherapy
- Complements structured programs like behavioral weight loss or work with a dietitian
Why Choose Root Function Wellness?
Root Function Wellness is dedicated to providing personalized care that views your health through a holistic lens. Led by Dr. Amy Wagoner, who brings over 20 years of experience practicing conventional family medicine for patients of all ages, our practice prioritizes comprehensive, integrative care. Dr. Wagoner’s deep understanding of the interconnectedness of bodily systems shapes our approach to functional medicine.
We believe your healthcare journey should start with your story. We take the time to listen closely and collaborate with you to identify and achieve your personal wellness goals. Root Function Wellness emphasizes individualized care, rejecting cookie-cutter guidelines or standardized protocols. Instead, we leverage the latest scientific research and tailor each care plan specifically to your unique needs and priorities.
Other Solutions to Explore
Exomind is an effective standalone intervention, but it can also work well as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At Root Function Wellness, we support an integrative model that may include:
Psychotherapy:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy are gold-standard approaches for the treatment of binge eating disorder.
Nutrition Counseling:
A registered dietitian can help restructure eating patterns and challenge diet culture.
Medication Support:
For some, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) or topiramate may be prescribed by a healthcare professional for symptom relief.
Self-Help Resources:
Journaling, apps, or support groups can offer encouragement and accountability.
Lifestyle Interventions:
Regular movement, mindfulness, and consistent meals help re-regulate eating habits and stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol.
Family Involvement:
Involving a loved one or family member in care can provide emotional support and reduce isolation.
Together, these treatment options address the emotional, behavioral, and neurological roots of binge eating.
Take the Next Step
Book your Exomind consultation today and let’s create a personalized path toward healing, self-trust, and lasting change.
Binge eating doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’ve struggled silently for years or are just beginning to seek help, Root Function Wellness offers compassionate, science-based care right here in Watertown, SD.
