Binge Eating Disorder
 Binge eating disorder is a medical syndrome in which,
according to currently accepted definitions, people:
-
feel their eating is out of control;
-
eat what most people would think is an unusually large amount of
food;
-
eat much more quickly than usual during binge
episodes;
-
eat until so full they are uncomfortable;
-
eat large amounts of food, even when they are not really
hungry;
-
eat alone because they are embarrassed about the amount of food they
eat;
-
feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after
overeating.
Binge eating also takes place in another eating disorder called bulimia
nervosa. Persons with bulimia nervosa, however, usually purge, fast, or do strenuous exercise after they
binge eat.
Purging means vomiting or using a lot of diuretics (water pills) or laxatives
to keep from gaining weight. Fasting is not eating for at least 24 hours. Strenuous exercise, in this case,
means exercising for more than an hour just to keep from gaining weight after binge eating. Purging, fasting,
and overexercising are dangerous ways to try to control your weight.
While binge eating is similar in nature, it is different than being a
compulsive overeater.
 Occurrence and Risk Factors
Binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder. Most people
with this problem are either overweight or obese (see note), but normal-weight people also can have the
disorder.
About 2 percent of all adults in the United States (as many as 4 million
Americans) have binge eating disorder. About 10 to 15 percent of people who are mildly obese and who try to
lose weight on their own or through commercial weight-loss programs have binge eating disorder. The disorder
is even more common in people who are severely obese.
Binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men; three
women for every two men have it. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites. No one knows how often it
affects people in other ethnic groups.
People who are obese and have binge eating disorder often became overweight at
a younger age than those without the disorder. They might also lose and gain back weight (yo-yo diet) more
often.
Causes
No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. As many as half of
all people with binge eating disorder have been depressed in the past. Whether depression causes binge eating
disorder or whether binge eating disorder causes depression is not known.
Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, or worried
can cause them to binge eat. Impulsive behavior (acting quickly without thinking) and certain other emotional
problems can be more common in people with binge eating disorder.
It is also unclear if dieting and binge eating are related. Some studies show
that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to
diet.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way
the body uses calories) affect binge eating disorder. This research is still in the early
stages.
Complications
People with binge eating disorder can get sick because they may not be getting
the right nutrients. They usually eat large amounts of fats and sugars, which don't have a lot of vitamins or
minerals.
People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating
and may become very depressed.
People who are obese and also have binge eating disorder are at risk
for
Most people with binge eating disorder have tried to control it on their own,
but have not been able to control it for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to
binge eat. Persons who are obese with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves and may avoid
social gatherings.
Most people who binge eat, whether they are obese or not, feel ashamed and try
to hide their problem. Often they become so good at hiding it that even close friends and family members
don't know they binge eat.
Treatment of Binge
Disorder
People with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight,
should get help from a health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker
for their eating behavior. Even those who are not overweight are usually upset by their binge eating, and
treatment can help them. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating
and change their unhealthy eating habits. It also teaches them how to change the way they act in tough
situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and
make changes in problem areas. Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some
people.
Researchers are still trying to find the treatment that is the most helpful in
controlling binge eating disorder. The methods mentioned here seem to be equally helpful. For people who are
overweight, a weight-loss program that also offers treatment for eating disorders might be the best
choice.
If you think you might have binge eating disorder, it's important to know that
you are not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried but failed to control it on their own. You
may want to get professional help. Talk to your health care provider about the type of help that may be best.
The good news is that most people do well in treatment and can overcome binge eating.
Important Resources:
Click here to learn more about
how to get Help For Eating
Disorders.
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