What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the episode; and feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
Although people with BED often eat more than someone else who doesn’t have the disorder, they don’t do so in order to compensate for calories burned or to prevent weight gain. For people with BED, eating provides a temporary escape from difficult emotions and problems.
The binge eating episodes are usually triggered by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. However, they may also be triggered by physical causes, such as hunger or boredom. People with BED often eat when they’re not hungry and continue eating even after they’re full.
During a binge, people with BED eat much more rapidly than normal. They may eat until they’re uncomfortably full or eat large amounts of food even when they don’t feel physically hungry. Bingeing may also involve eating unusually large amounts of food, eating very quickly, or eating until you’re stuffed.
After a binge, people with BED often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty. They may try to “compensate” for the binge by fasting, excessive exercise, or purging through vomiting or laxative use.
Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening illness. It’s associated with a number of medical problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Binge eating disorder is also linked to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
If you think you or someone you know may have Binge Eating Disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Binge eating disorder is treatable, and there are a number of effective treatments available. With treatment, people with BED can learn to control their eating and improve their physical and emotional health. Reference
What are the causes of binge eating disorder?
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have life-threatening consequences. Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled, excessive eating followed by feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. Binge eating episodes typically involve eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often when not feeling physically hungry. Unlike individuals with Bulimia Nervosa, people with BED do not typically attempt to “compensate” for their binge eating through vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
The exact cause of Binge Eating Disorder is not known, but there are several factors that may contribute to its development, including:
Biological factors: There is some evidence to suggest that certain chemicals in the brain may play a role in the development of BED. For example, individuals with BED may have higher levels of the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger, and lower levels of leptin, which decreases hunger.
Psychological factors: Individuals with BED may have a history of dieting and weight cycling, which can lead to feelings of deprivation and a strong desire to “reward” oneself with food. BED may also be associated with other psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and depression.
Social factors: The development of BED may be influenced by cultural factors that celebrate thinness and equate thinness with success and happiness. This pressure to be thin can lead individuals to diet and restrict their eating, which can ultimately lead to binge eating.
Binge Eating Disorder is a complex condition that is likely caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, there is help available.
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