How Does Someone Know if He or She Has Binge Eating
Disorder?
Most of us overeat from time to time, and many people feel they frequently eat more
than they should. Eating large amounts of food, however, does not mean that a person has
binge eating disorder. Doctors are still debating the best ways to determine if someone
has binge eating disorder. But most people with serious binge eating problems have:
Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally large amount of
food.
Frequent feelings of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten.
Several of these behaviors or feelings:
1. Eating much more rapidly than usual.
2. Eating until uncomfortably full.
3. Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
4. Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten.
5. Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
Episodes of binge eating also occur in the eating disorder bulimia nervosa. Persons
with bulimia, however, regularly purge, fast, or engage in strenuous exercise after an
episode of binge eating. Purging means vomiting or using diuretics (water pills) or
laxatives in greater-than-recommended doses to avoid gaining weight. Fasting is not eating
for at least 24 hours. Strenuous exercise, in this case, is defined as exercising for more
than an hour solely to avoid gaining weight after binge eating. Purging, fasting, and
strenuous exercise are dangerous ways to attempt weight control.
How Common is Binge Eating Disorder, and Who is at Risk?
Although it has only recently been recognized as a distinct condition, binge eating
disorder is probably the most common eating disorder. Most people with binge eating
disorder are obese (more than 20 percent above a healthy body weight), but normal-weight
people also can be affected. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2 percent of all
adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans. Among mildly obese people in self-help
or commercial weight loss programs, 10 to 15 percent have binge eating disorder. The
disorder is even more common in those with severe obesity.
Binge eating disorder is slightly more common in women, with three women affected for
every two men. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites; its frequency in other
ethnic groups is not yet known. Obese people with binge eating disorder often became
overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may have more
frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo dieting).
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half of all people with
binge eating disorder have a history of depression. Whether depression is a cause or
effect of binge eating disorder is unclear. It may be unrelated. Many people report that
anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger a binge episode.
Impulsive behavior and certain other psychological problems may be more common in people
with binge eating disorder. Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear.
While findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people with binge
eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may
worsen binge eating in some people.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body
burns calories) affect binge eating disorder. These areas of research are still in the
early stages.
What are the Complications of Binge Eating Disorder?
The major complications of binge eating disorder are the diseases that accompany
obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, gallbladder
disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. People with binge eating disorder are
extremely distressed by their binge eating. Most have tried to control it on their own but
have not succeeded for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to
binge eat. Obese people with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves, are
preoccupied with their appearance, and may avoid social gatherings. Most feel ashamed and
try to hide their problem. Often they are so successful that close family members and
friends don't know they binge eat.
Should People With Binge Eating Disorder Try to Diet?
People who are not overweight or only mildly obese should probably avoid dieting, since
strict dieting may worsen binge eating. However, many people with binge eating disorder
are severely obese and have medical problems related to their weight. For these people,
losing weight and keeping it off are important treatment goals. Most people with binge
eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, may benefit from treatment that
addresses their eating behavior.
What Treatment is Available for People With Binge Eating Disorder?
Several studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may find it harder
than other people to stay in weight loss treatment. Binge eaters also may be more likely
to regain weight quickly. For these reasons, people with the disorder may require
treatment that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight.
Even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their binge eating and
may benefit from treatment. Several methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients techniques to monitor and change their
eating habits as well as to change the way they respond to difficult situations.
Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people examine their relationships with friends and
family and to make changes in problem areas. Treatment with medications such as
antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. Self-help groups also may be a source
of support. Researchers are still trying to determine which method or combination of
methods is the most effective in controlling binge eating disorder. The type of treatment
that is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the patient and his or
her health care provider.
If you believe you have binge eating disorder, it's important you realize that you are
not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried unsuccessfully to control it on
their own. You may want to arrange for a consultation with a professional at
growth@growthgroups.com
If you believe you have an binge eating problem, it's important you realize that you
are not alone. You may want to arrange for a consultation with a professional at
growth@growthgroups.com
