Binge eating disorder (BED), also known as emotional eating or compulsive overeating, is characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption over brief periods. According to statistics on binge eating disorders, the problem affects 2.8 million adults in the U.S.
Facts about binge eating that you should know:
- There is no recognized reason for binge eating disorder.
- When someone has a binge eating disorder, they always experience a loss of control over their food intake.
- After a binge eating session, affected people typically feel miserable or guilty.
- The primary distinction between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder is the absence of purging, extreme exercise, or fasting after binge eating episodes.
Binge eating disorders are more commonly diagnosed than anorexia and bulimia. There is a very high rate of people who suffer from binge eating disorders than illnesses like schizophrenia, HIV, or breast cancer. According to research, binge eating is linked to obesity and being overweight. However, you can have obesity without having a binge eating issue.
How do I know if I have a binge eating disorder?
You can be at a normal weight even though most people with binge-eating disorders are obese or overweight. The following are behavioral and emotional indicators of binge-eating disorder:
- Eating a disproportionately high amount of food in a short time, like over two hours
- You believe your eating habits are out of control.
- Eating until you’re full but not satisfied
- Frequently eating by yourself or in secret
- Feeling down about what you eat, disgusted, humiliated, guilty, or upset
- Eating despite being full or not being hungry
- Eating in a rush when having a binge
- Often dieting, possibly without seeing any weight reduction
What is the root cause of binge eating disorder?
There is still no known cause of binge eating disorder. It might begin in childhood or early adolescence, and it can run in families. According to research, up to 50% of those with this illness experience depression. It’s unknown if depression contributes to or deters binge eating. Vulnerability or emotions, including anger, despair, boredom, or anxiety, can cause binge eating. People with binge eating disorders may exhibit impulsive behavior more frequently and certain other emotional issues. It is unknown if dieting and binge eating is connected. However, stringent dieting may exacerbate the issue. According to several studies, dieting or trying to limit one’s caloric intake might cause binges. A pre-diet binge will occur in about half of all cases of binge eating disorder.
When to seek help?
As soon as you notice any binge-eating disorder signs, get in touch with a doctor. If untreated, binge eating disorders can range from brief to recurrent, or they can last for years. Some patients may be able to receive complete care in an outpatient setting. Others might benefit from more rigorous inpatient therapy at a center for eating disorders.
Nobody should have to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know suffers from a binge eating disorder, please seek help immediately. Treatment is accessible, and recovery may be on the horizon.