Binge Eating Disorder: When Overeating is the Norm

Photo Credit: Byron Solomon



When eating disorders became news, I used to joke that I was a non-purge bulimic. (Unlike bulimics, who rid themselves of their totally uncontrollable overeating periods by vomiting, using laxatives, fasting, or performing strenuous exercise, I held onto mine.) Little did I know that binge eating was, indeed, a real eating disorder, one that is just as distressing (and dangerous to one's health) as is anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

And it is much more common, afflicting an estimated 4 million Americans (according to MedicineNet.)

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

But this disorder is hard to diagnose because it is not necessarily present just because one frequently overeats. But there are a number of symptoms that, when combined, may indicate that one suffers from this condition. (By the way, I have decided that I don't have a full-blown binge eating disorder, but I do have a few of the symptoms). According to the Mayo Clinic, some of classic symptoms of a binge eating disorder include the following:

*Eating abnormally large amounts of food.

*Eating when not actually hungry (or even when full)

*Rapidly eating during a binge

*Feeling out-of-control of your eating habits

*Depression

*Hoarding Food

*Eating alone due to embarrassment at others' witnessing your unusually large food intake

*Feeling repulsed, angry and ashamed of your eating habits

Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

Like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, the exact causes of binge eating disorder are unknown. There is some evidence, however, that binge eating (in those with this condition) is triggered by an inability to handle emotions such as stress, anger, worry, depression or boredom.

In addition, there are several personality and behavioral traits that seem to be common among sufferers of this condition. Some of these characteristics include the following:

*Impulsive behavior

*Frequently feeling "out of control" of their lives

*Repressing and not expressing their true feelings

Dangers of Binge Eating

Besides obesity (which can cause a number of serious health problems such as Diabetes and high blood pressure), some of the dangers of binge eating disorder include the following:

*Low self esteem

*Insomnia

*Suicidal thoughts

*Shame

*Stress

Getting Help

The good news is that people with this disorder do not have to suffer in silence. They can get help and become relatively freed from this condition. If you think that you may have this condition, MedicineNet recommends that you seek a proper diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional.

Cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, and antidepressant medications have been proven to be effective treatment options for binge eating disorder - but you have to reach out for it.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/binge-eating-disorder/DS00608

http://www.medicinenet.com/binge_eating_disorder/article.htm