We have all over-eaten on occasion, holidays, celebrations, Christmas, and family get-togethers are all prime examples, but as it’s only occasionally it’s not something to worry about long term. Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition where people consume large quantities of food until they feel uncomfortably full. They feel an overwhelming compulsion to binge and they lack control where eating is concerned.
People with binge eating disorder, will binge eat at least once a week and can either plan to do so well in advance or do so spontaneously. They will eat large amounts of food far greater than most people, and rapidly in a short period usually one to two hours. Unlike other eating disorders, people who binge eat do not try to compensate for their overeating by dieting, using laxatives, vomiting, or exercising excessively.
Binge eating is the most common of all eating disorders, but despite this, there is far less awareness of the condition than there is of conditions such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. It can affect both men and women at any stage in their lives but most often occurs in a person’s twenties.
People who binge eat can be a normal weight or overweight, but they will be unhappy with their weight either way. Sufferers often feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about their binge eating, and the condition is often linked with high levels of distress, it can be a way for people to deal with their extreme emotions. They may attempt to reduce or restrict eating, but this often increases their urge to binge.
Causes of binge eating disorder
There is no known single cause for developing binge eating disorder, which is the case for most eating disorders. Experts think several contributory factors can lead to its development and these can include:
- Family history
If you or a family member has a binge eating disorder or another eating disorder, your risk of developing it is higher.
- Brain Chemistry
A person’s biology as well as changes in certain brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine can affect eating habits
- Mental health conditions
Having other mental health disorders such as
- anxiety or mood disorders
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- substance use disorders
- Body dysmorphic disorder can contribute to the development of binge eating disorder.
- Extreme Dieting
Sometimes people who have resorted to very low-calorie diets in an attempt to lose weight, or have cut meals out completely or dieted frequently can be at a greater risk
- Life experience
It’s believed that people who have suffered trauma or physical or sexual abuse, have poor body image or low self-esteem can be more likely to develop the condition
- Social pressure
People who feel pressured to be slim like models, celebrities, dancers, and athletes, or were criticized for their eating habits or weight can also be vulnerable to eating disorders including binge eating
Symptoms and behaviors of binge eating disorder
The key symptoms of binge eating include consuming large amounts of food in a short time, losing control over eating, and experiencing negative emotions afterward. Symptoms and behaviors can vary amongst individuals but can include:
Physical Symptoms
- Fluctuations in weight, including both gain and loss.
- Gastrointestinal issues including stomach cramps or pain, bloating, constipation, or acid reflux
- Cardiovascular issues
- Developing food intolerances
- Sleep problems and feeling tired
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Being unhappy or dissatisfied about the size, weight, or shape of your body
- Irritability
- Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
- Poor body image
- Loneliness and social withdrawal
- Low self-esteem
- Experiencing distress, sadness, revulsion, or self-disgust after binge eating
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment
- Being sensitive to comments about food, dieting, or exercise
- Self-harming and suicidal thoughts
Behavioral Symptoms
- Investing significant sums in food purchases
- Hiding, stealing or hoarding food
- Eating in secret or alone and being uncomfortable eating around others
- Eating so fast you’re not aware of how much you’re eating
- Eating past the point of being full to the point of feeling uncomfortable
- Eating quickly over a short time
- Becoming socially withdrawn, spending less time with friends
- Eating to manage your emotions or in response to emotional stress
- Avoiding discussing food or weight
- Dieting or cutting out food groups or trying fad foods
- Adjusting their lifestyle to fit their binge eating habits
- Always worried about their body shape and weight
Long-term health risks of having binge eating disorder
Untreated binge eating disorder over time can lead to serious health issues, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cardiovascular problems
- Osteoarthritis
- Elevated cholesterol levels or raised blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gallstone
- Fatty liver disease
- Substance misuse
- Self-harming
Self-help for binge eating
There are organizations and self-help groups that can help you by providing support and information about overcoming binge eating. Keeping a journal can be a helpful way to learn to recognize what triggers your urge to binge. If you learn to recognize these emotions then you can try to learn different ways to cope with them other than binging. Trying to eat healthily and regularly will help you to avoid spikes in your blood sugar levels, portioning your food and eating healthy snacks could help you to feel the need to binge less often.
Diagnosis and treatment for binge eating disorder
If you’re having difficulty managing binge eating, contact your doctor right away. Early treatment can speed up your recovery. They will deal with both the physical and psychological symptoms of the condition.
They can refer you to health professionals to help with your recovery, including dieticians and psychotherapists, as well as prescribe any medication required to deal with any physical problems that have arisen.
Therapy is typically the most effective treatment for binge eating disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you explore your thoughts, behaviors, and underlying emotions. They will teach you to replace the negative thoughts and behaviors that lead you to binge eating. Written by Jan, Jeana, and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free information click the above link.