Binge Eating - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Binge eating is a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable overeating. Binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is a newly recognized condition that probably affects millions of Americans. People with binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control over their eating. This disorder is different from binge-purge syndrome (bulimia nervosa) because people with binge eating disorder usually do not purge afterward by vomiting or using laxatives. 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. Binge eating also occurs 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. People with binge eating disorder report more health problems, stress, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts than people without an eating disorder. People with binge eating disorder often feel badly about themselves and may miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat.

Eating binges can be called compensatory behaviour. Binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men. People who binge may eat when they're not really hungry and continue eating even long after they're uncomfortably full. After a binge, they often try to diet or eat normal meals. people with binge-eating disorder often have numerous behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms. Include is depession or anxiety, eating until the point of discomfort or pain ,eating much more food during a binge episode than during a normal meal or snack ,eating faster during binge episodes and hiding empty food containers. As in other eating disorders, in binge-eating disorder people are often overly focused on and unhappy with their weight, body shape and appearance. People with binge-eating disorder often feel miserable about their lives and are at higher risk of serious health complications than are those without the disorder. Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge eating disorder. These include abusing alcohol, acting quickly without thinking (impulsive behavior), not feeling in charge of themselves, not feeling a part of their communities, and not noticing and talking about their feelings Brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect binge eating disorder. Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat.

Causes of Binge Eating

Common Causes and Risk factors of Binge Eating

• Depression.
• Impulsive behavior.
• Psychological problems.
• Biological (genes and brain chemicals).
• Sociocultural factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating

Common Sign and Symptoms of Binge Eating

• Sadness.
• Depession.
• Anxiety.
• Weight gain.
• High blood pressure.
• Eating until the point of discomfort or pain

Treatment for Binge Eating

Common Treatment for Binge Eating

• 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.
• Family dining habits may also influence the relationships children develop with food. Try to eat some meals together as a family.
• Teach children about the pitfalls of dieting, and encourage healthy eating.