Binge eating disorder is a newly recognized
condition that probably affects millions of Americans. People with
binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food while
feeling a loss of control over their eating. This disorder is different
from binge-purge syndrome (bulimia nervosa) because people with
binge eating disorder usually do not purge afterward by vomiting
or using laxatives.
How Does Someone Know If He Or
She Has Binge Eating Disorder?
Most of us overeat from time to time, and many people feel they
frequently eat more than they should. Eating large amounts of food,
however, does not mean that a person has binge eating disorder.
Doctors are still debating the best ways to determine if someone
has binge eating disorder. But most people with serious binge eating
problems have:
- Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally
large amount of food.
- Frequent feelings of being unable to control what or how much
is being eaten.
Several of these behaviors or
feelings:
1) Eating much more rapidly than usual.
2) Eating until uncomfortably full.
3) Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
4) Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being
eaten.
5) Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
Episodes of binge eating also occur in the eating disorder bulimia
nervosa. Persons with bulimia, however, regularly purge, fast, or
engage in strenuous exercise after an episode of binge eating. Purging
means vomiting or using diuretics (water pills) or laxatives in
greater-than-recommended doses to avoid gaining weight. Fasting
is not eating for at least 24 hours. Strenuous exercise, in this
case, is defined as exercising for more than an hour solely to avoid
gaining weight after binge eating. Purging, fasting, and strenuous
exercise are dangerous ways to attempt weight control.
How Common Is Binge Eating Disorder
&
Who Is At Risk?
Although it has only recently been recognized as a distinct condition,
binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder.
Most people with binge eating disorder are obese (more than 20 percent
above a healthy body weight), but normal-weight people also can
be affected. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2 percent of
all adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans. Among mildly
obese people in self-help or commercial weight loss programs, 10
to 15 percent have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more
common in those with severe obesity.
Binge eating disorder is slightly more common in women, with three
women affected for every two men. The disorder affects blacks as
often as whites; its frequency in other ethnic groups is not yet
known. Obese people with binge eating disorder often became overweight
at a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may
have more frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo
dieting).
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half
of all people with binge eating disorder have a history of depression.
Whether depression is a cause or effect of binge eating disorder
is unclear. It may be unrelated. Many people report that anger,
sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger
a binge episode. Impulsive behavior and certain other psychological
problems may be more common in people with binge eating disorder.
Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. While
findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people
with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started
to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen binge eating in some people.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism
(the way the body burns calories) affect binge eating disorder.
These areas of research are still in the early stages.
What Are The Complications Of
Binge Eating Disorder?
The major complications of binge eating disorder are the diseases
that accompany obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease, and
certain types of cancer.
People with binge eating disorder are extremely distressed by their
binge eating. Most have tried to control it on their own but have
not succeeded for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social
activities to binge eat. Obese people with binge eating disorder
often feel bad about themselves, are preoccupied with their appearance,
and may avoid social gatherings. Most feel ashamed and try to hide
their problem. Often they are so successful that close family members
and friends don't know they binge eat.
Should People With Binge Eating
Disorder Try To Diet?
People who are not overweight or only mildly obese should probably
avoid dieting, since strict dieting may worsen binge eating. However,
many people with binge eating disorder are severely obese and have
medical problems related to their weight. For these people, losing
weight and keeping it off are important treatment goals. Most people
with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight,
may benefit from treatment that addresses their eating behavior.
What Treatment Is Available For
People With Binge Eating Disorder?
Several studies have found that people with binge eating disorder
may find it harder than other people to stay in weight loss treatment.
Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain weight quickly. For
these reasons, people with the disorder may require treatment that
focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight. Even
those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their
binge eating and may benefit from treatment.
Several methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients techniques to monitor
and change their eating habits as well as to change the way they
respond to difficult situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps
people examine their relationships with friends and family and to
make changes in problem areas. Treatment with medications such as
antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. Self-help groups
also may be a source of support. Researchers are still trying to
determine which method or combination of methods is the most effective
in controlling binge eating disorder. The type of treatment that
is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the
patient and his or her health care provider.
If you believe you have binge
eating disorder,
it's important you realize that you are not alone.
Most people who have the disorder have tried unsuccessfully to control
it on their own.
You may want to seek professional treatment.
This material is excerpted from the National Institute of Diabetes
& Digestive & Kidney Diseases' information titled, Binge
Eating Disorder, (NIH publication No. 94-3589, November 1993). Prepared
for Healthtouch -- April 1996.
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All pages Copyright © 1996 by Medical Strategies, Inc.
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