Binge Eating Disorder

It’s not an issue to overeat occasionally, but in the case of binge eating disorder, the person here suffers from uncontrolled gluttony that interferes with their life and might lead to serious complications.

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder is a serious, chronic condition that makes the patient unable to stop themselves from eating, and that leads them to eat a lot more than normal.

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder (disorders related to eating behaviors), and it’s more common in females than males and in teenagers than adults.

Causes and risk factors leading to binge eating disorder

There isn’t a specific reason that’s responsible for causing binge eating disorder. However, there are several factors that contribute to developing BED and increase its risk, such as:

• Having a family history of an eating disorder, which might affect the genes that are passed down to you.
• Having a personal history of food insecurity, abuse, or trauma.
• Following strict diets for a long time.
• Having certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and body dysmorphic disorder (it causes the patient to see their body in a wrong way).
• Having other conditions like ADHD and substance use disorder.

Symptoms of binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder might vary throughout the time; it might be short-lived, chronic, or it could come and go like binge eating episodes. The symptoms might include:

• Eating past the limit of satiety until the patient begins to feel discomfort.
• Eating large amounts of food, more than what a normal person usually eats, even without feeling hungry.
• Eating very quickly and feeling like you can’t stop yourself.
• Eating alone and without the knowledge of others.
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem after eating.
• It’s important to distinguish between binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa because in the latter, the patients eat a lot and then force themselves to vomit, use laxatives to empty the intestines quickly, or excessively exercise in order to not gain weight.

Complications of binge eating disorder

When not managed, binge eating disorder might cause:

• Weight gain and obesity.
• A tendency to social isolation.
• Problems in personal life, study, or work.
• Not enjoying life as normal people.
• Worsening of mental health conditions, if any.

Diagnosis of binge eating disorder

• Binge-eating disorder is diagnosed by specific criteria that involve evaluating the eating habits of the patient in addition to evaluating their mental health.

Treatment of binge eating disorder

• The psychotherapy might include several options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy.
• Medications to control certain risk factors.
• Avoid strict diets and consult a nutritionist in order to help you follow a healthy lifestyle.