 Most
of us overeat from time to time, but some people frequently
eat more than they should. People with binge eating disorder
frequently eat large amounts of food while feeling a loss of
control over their eating.
Although
it has only recently been recognized as a medical condition,
binge eating is probably the most common eating disorder, affecting
millions of people.
What
are the signs and symptoms?
There
is still debate over the best ways to determine if someone has
binge eating disorder. But most people with serious binge eating
problems:
-
Frequently
eat what others would consider an abnormally large amount
of food.
-
Are
frequently unable to control what or how much is being eaten.
-
Eat
much more rapidly than normal.
-
Eat
until uncomfortably full.
-
Eat
large amounts of food, even when not hungry.
-
Eat
alone, out of embarrassment at the amount of food being eaten.
-
Feel
disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
What
are the causes?
The
causes of binge eating disorder are unknown. About 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.
Many people say that anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety, or any other
negative emotions can trigger a binge episode.
Binge
eating also occurs in the eating disorder bulimia nervosa. Persons
with bulimia, however, regularly purge, fast, or engage in strenuous
exercise after an episode of binge eating. Doctors are looking into
how brain chemicals and metabolism affect binge eating disorder.
Dieting's
effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. Most people with
binge eating disorder are obese and have a history of losing and
regaining weight (yo-yo dieting). Several studies have found that
people with binge eating disorder may find it harder than other
people to lose weight. Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain
weight quickly. People who are not overweight or only mildly obese
should probably avoid dieting, since strict dieting may worsen binge
eating.
People
with binge eating disorder become 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.
How
is it treated?
Several
methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder. 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. The patient and
his or her health care provider determine the type of treatment
that is best for them.
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.
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