- People with binge eating disorder often eat an
unusually large amount of food and feel out of control during the binges.
People with binge eating disorder also may:
-eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes
-eat until they are uncomfortably full
-eat when they are not hungry
-eat alone because of embarrassment
-feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
What causes binge eating disorder?
No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. Researchers are
looking at the following factors that may affect binge eating:
-Depression. As many as half of all people with binge eating
disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past.
-Dieting. Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough
food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food.
-Coping skills. Studies suggest that people with binge eating may
have trouble handling some of their emotions. Many people who are binge
eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause
them to binge eat.
-Biology. Researchers are looking into how brain chemicals and
metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect binge eating disorder.
Research also suggests that genes may be involved in binge eating, since
the disorder often occurs in several members of the same family.
Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with
binge eating disorder. These include abusing alcohol, acting quickly
without thinking (impulsive behavior), and not feeling in charge of
themselves.
What are the health consequences of binge eating
disorder?
People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge
eating and may become depressed. Research has shown that 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.
People with binge eating disorder may gain weight. Weight gain can lead to
obesity, and obesity raises the risk for these health problems:
-type 2 diabetes
-high blood pressure
-high cholesterol
-gallbladder disease
-heart disease
-certain types of cancer
What is the treatment for binge eating disorder?
People with binge eating disorder should get help from a health care
provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker.
There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder:
-Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of
their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It teaches them how
to cope with stressful situations. It also helps them feel better about
their body shape and weight.
-Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their
relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas.
-Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some
people.
Other treatments include dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people
regulate their emotions; drug therapy with the anti-seizure medication
topiramate; exercise in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy; and
support groups.
Many people with binge eating disorder also have a problem with obesity.
There are treatments for obesity, like weight loss surgery
(gastrointestinal surgery), but these treatments will not treat the
underlying problem of binge eating disorder.
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