Affecting almost 2% of the world population, binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder marked by excessive consumption of large amounts of food in one sitting. People with binge eating disorder may feel a compulsive drive to binge eat, even if they are not hungry and experience hard time trying to resist those urges.
Recognized as an official diagnosis, BED is also associated with feeling a sense of shame or guilt by the person during the binge or afterwards.
Extreme eating behaviours can be responsible for other serious health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, gallbladder disease and mental health conditions. Most people with binge-eating disorder are often overweight or obese, but it is also possible that not all with the disorder are overweight. Eating disorders are usually triggered by underlying psychological conditions like anxiety and depression.
Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating is recurrent and rapid and has little to do with the actual flavour of the food. People with BED experience a sort of hypnotic pleasure from the over intake of food which they can’t seem to resist and only stop when the wall of discomfort or pain kicks in.
To diagnose the disorder, it is important to identify the signs and symptoms of it which includes:
- Eating, within any 2 hour period, an amount of food that is larger than portion size.
- Eating even when you’re full or not hungry.
- Eating much more rapidly during binge episodes.
- Feeling like you can’t stop eating or feel a lack of control over your eating habits.
- Frequently eating alone or in secret.
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
- The episodes occur, on average, at least once a week for 3 months.
Signs of binge eating disorder also appears in emotional and behavioural cues.
- Following fad diets like consuming no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, or turning vegetarian or vegan.
- Appears uncomfortable eating around others
- Fear of eating in public or with others
- Shows extreme concern with body weight and shape
- Creates lifestyle schedules to make time for binge sessions
- Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
- Feelings of low self-esteem.
Given the diagnostic criteria, it still can be difficult to tell whether someone has binge eating disorder. Many people hide their disorder because they feel embarrassed.
Causes of BED: Why do people binge eat?
Researchers are not sure what causes binge eating disorder in people. But a combination of person’s biology like genetics, family history, and life events could contribute to the development of the disorder. There is also theory that binge eating is connected to other impulse disorders and may be due to some type of malfunction in the brain chemistry or in the digestive system. Binge eaters are not deliberately indulging or enjoying eating- for them, the signal that tells you that you have eaten enough does not work, resulting in overconsumption of food.
Health Risks
Developing a binge eating disorder is linked with other serious physical, emotional, and social health risks. One of the major health risks of BED is obesity with up to 50% of people with the disorder are overweight.
There is evidence that shows binge eating disorder puts people on a greater risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer in some cases.
Binge eating disorder affects more than 3% of women and is associated with a risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fertility problems, and pregnancy complications.
Other health issues triggered by BED include sleep apnea, chronic pain conditions, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Treatment options
Treatment options for targeting binge eating disorder include cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy or “talk” therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.
Medication for binge eating include anti-depressants that could help some people overcome their impulsiveness.
Depending on the causes and severity of the eating disorder, the medical professional would provide treatment plan.
To Read More Health Blogs.
