Signs of Binge Eating – Binge Eating Symptoms & Causes

Binge eating disorder is a relatively recently recognized disorder (it is sometimes referred to as compulsive overeating). Some researchers believe it is the most common of the eating disorders affecting millions of Americans. Almost everyone overeats on occasion, such as having seconds or thirds of a holiday meal. But for some people, overeating crosses the line to binge-eating disorder and it becomes a regular occurrence, shrouded in secrecy.
 
Similar to bulimia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder frequently consume large amounts of food while feeling a lack of control over their eating. However, this disorder is different from bulimia nervosa because people with binge eating disorder usually do not purge (i.e. vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, etc) their bodies of the excess food they consume during a binge episode.
 
When you have binge-eating disorder you often have numerous behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms, such as:

• Eating large amounts of food
• Eating even when you are full
• Eating rapidly during binge episodes
• Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
• Eating a lot even though you are not hungry
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Frequent dieting, possibly without weight loss
• Frequently eating alone
• Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset about your eating
• Disgust and shame with self after overeating
• Hoarding food (especially high calorie/junk food)
• Consuming food to the point of being uncomfortable or even in pain

After a binge, you may try to diet or eat normal meals. But restricting your eating may simply lead to more binge eating, creating a vicious cycle.
 
Causes:
 
The cause of binge-eating disorder is unknown. As with many mental illnesses, it's thought that a variety of factors are at play in binge-eating disorder, such as:

• Biological factors: People with binge-eating disorder may have inherited genes that made them more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. In addition, brain chemicals may be altered in people with binge-eating disorder.
• Psychological factors: Psychological and emotional factors may also play a role in binge-eating disorder. You may have low self-worth and trouble controlling impulsive behaviors, managing moods or expressing anger.
• Environmental factors: Modern culture often cultivates and reinforces a desire for thinness. Although most people who have binge-eating disorder are overweight, they are probably acutely aware of their appearance and may get angry with themselves after eating binges.

Risk Factors:
 
Factors that can increase the risk of developing binge-eating disorder are:

• Sex: Women are slightly more likely than men to develop binge-eating disorder.
• Age: Although people of any age can have binge-eating disorder, it often begins when people are in late adolescence or their early 20s.
• Family history: If you have close relatives — siblings or parents — who've had an eating disorder, you have an increased risk of developing an eating disorder yourself.
• Dieting: People with binge-eating disorder have a mixed history of dieting — some have dieted to excess dating back to childhood, while others haven't dieted. Dieting may trigger an urge to binge eat.
• Psychological issues: Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common when you have binge-eating disorder. As with bulimia nervosa, you may act impulsively and feel a lack of control over your behavior. You may have a history of depression or substance abuse. Binge eaters may have trouble coping with stressful situations, anger, sadness, boredom and worry.

Complications:
 
Suffers can develop psychological and physical problems related to binge eating, making you even more miserable and further reducing your quality of life.
 
Some of these complications can arise from being overweight as a result of frequent bingeing. Other complications may occur because of unhealthy eating habits.  In addition, food consumed during a binge is often high in fat and low in protein and other nutrients, which could lead to health problems.
 
Complications that binge-eating disorder may cause or be associated with include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Insomnia
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood cholesterol
• Gallbladder disease and other digestive problems
• Heart disease
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Headache

Treatment Options:
 
Studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may find it harder than other people to continue in weight loss treatment. In addition, they may be more likely to regain weight quickly.  These are some of the reasons that people with binge eating disorder require treatment that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight. Further, even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their binge eating and may benefit from treatment.
 
There are several methods currently used to treat binge eating disorder.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Method in which the client is taught techniques to monitor and change their eating habits, as well as to change the way they respond to difficult and stressful situations.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy: Method in which the individual is taught to examine their relationships with friends and family and to make changes in problem areas.
• Medications: Antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals.
• Self-help groups: These groups may be a good additional source of support for many.

Often those who have binge eating disorder suffer with the disorder for years, feel ashamed, depressed may feel very alone. It is important to recognize that you are not alone, there are millions like you and there are successful treatment options available for you.
 
To determine the type of treatment that is best suited for your situation call Rosewood 800.845.2211 to learn more about treatment options.