Binge Eating
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an illness which resembles bulimia nervosa. Like
bulimics, binge eaters have episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing.
However, binge eating disorder differs from bulimia because its sufferers
do not purge their bodies of excess food. Unlike anorexics, binge
eaters are acutely aware of their problem.
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.
- It probably affects 2 percent of all adults, or about 1-2 million
Americans.
- Most people with binge eating disorder are seriously obese, but normal-weight
people also can be affected.
- Among mildly obese people in self-help or commercial weight loss programs,
10 to 15 percent have binge eating disorder.
- Unlike anorexia and bulimia, there is a high proportion of male binge
eaters, although the disorder is 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 unknown.
Signs of binge eating
Include:
- Eating an unusually large amount of food over a short time (less than
2 hours).
- Eating abnormally fast.
- Eating until uncomfortably full.
- Eating large amounts when not feeling particularly hungry.
- Eating alone because of embarrassment at the quantity consumed.
- Feelings of depression, self-disgust and guilt after overeating.
- The binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6
months.
The binge-eating destructive
cycle
Binge eating is characterized by a destructive cycle of uncontrollable
eating followed by weight gain, followed by dieting, followed by weight
gain and so on.
-
The more weight that is
gained, the harder they try to diet and dieting is usually what leads
to the next binge.
-
While in the grip of
this cycle, sufferers feel powerless to control their eating and experience
strong feelings of guilt, shame and failure.
-
Unless properly treated
- which means tackling the emotional causes of the compulsive eating
pattern - this cycle of dieting and bingeing can go on forever.
-
Sadly, the problem of
binge eating is not taken seriously enough. Instead of being treated
for the serious problem they have, most sufferers are fobbed off with
even stricter dietary advice which does nothing for the root cause
of their disorder.
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.
-
The effect of dieting
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.
Health complications of
binge eating
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, kidney disease, strokes and
certain types of cancer.
Social/personal complications
of binge eating
As in all eating disorders, low self esteem is a constant factor.
-
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.
-
Binging can also be used
as self-punishment for doing "bad" things, or for being a 'bad person'.
-
Most binge eaters feel
ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they are so successful
that close family members and friends know nothing about it.
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 goals.
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. Several methods of treatment are
available:
-
Behavioral therapy teaches
patients how to monitor and change their eating habits as well as
to change the way they respond to difficult situations.
-
Interpersonal therapy
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.
Important - You are not alone
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 seek professional treatment.
Specific eating disorders
For details, click Anorexia, Bulimia,
Binge Eating, How
To Stop Bingeing
For further help and information
on binge eating
Please see list of resources on Links
page.
For the BEST diet, click
Best Diet
|
