Binge Eating Disorder

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Binge-eating disorder is not as well known as the two others eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia) but still affects millions of people all around the world. An individual frequently eating large amounts of food and feeling they are unable to control what they are doing characterizes this illness. Unlike Bulimia, sufferers of this illness do not vomit or use laxatives to relieve themselves, and are therefore very likely to gain weight.

This disorder was only recognized a short while ago however is probably the most common of the eating disorders, affecting about 2% of all adults. Sufferers are usually obese due to the nature of the illness but people of a healthy weight can also be affected. Eating can make some people feel very depressed yet they turn to food to comfort themselves when they are feeling sad. Lots of sufferers of binge-eating disorder tend to feel guilty and shameful about what they're doing and therefore don't seek help because this means someone knowing about their secret.

There are many characteristics of a binge-eating session, such as eating the food quicker than usual, eating secretly in places where noone is around, feeling full up but continuing to eat, consuming foods that are seen as naughty and feeling they cannot control their habit. This is usually followed by intense feelings of regret and guilt. Research has shown that this disorder is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms:

Eating frequently in large quantities

Eating though full up

Fast eating

Eating in secret

Low self-esteem, low confidence

Eating when sad, lonely or bored for comfort

Being aware of the emotional distress to come yet not being able to stop binging

Feelings of deep regret and guilt afterwards

Feeling out of control in the situation

Anxious and depressed emotions

Become obsessed with food and body

Frequent changes in weight

Binge twice weekly or more over a number months

Suffering from suicidal thoughts

Causes:

Like both anorexia and bulimia there is no definite cause of binge-eating disorder. Some of the factors thought to influence its development are shown below.

• Nearly 50% of all sufferers have had depression at one point in their life therefore this is thought to be an influential factor. However depression can also be an effect of binge-eating disorder as well as a cause.
• Investigations into whether biological factors such as imbalances of chemicals in the brain can cause the illness have been undertaken (this is thought to be a possible cause of both Anorexia and Bulimia), but nothing is yet conclusive.
• People who spend their whole lives dieting, being obsessed about their bodies and developing unnatural eating patterns can sometimes be more prone to the disorder.

Side Effects:

High blood pressure and cholesterol

Mild breathing difficulties

Isolation from others

Relationship strains

Obsession with appearance

Low self esteem and low confidence

Anxiety or depression

Decrease in energy, feeling tired and weak

More Extreme Side Effects:

Type 2 diabetes

Gall bladder disease

Heart disease

Liver and kidney problems

Certain types of cancer

Medical Help and Treatment:

Individuals with binge-eating disorder rarely seek help; this is sometimes because they are unaware of the illness or unaware that they have a problem. People with the disorder often encounter intense feelings of shame and guilt so even if a person does recognize their problem they still avoid seeking help because that would mean others finding out about their habits.

Many sufferers of the disorder state that emotions such as sadness, anger, worry and stress can trigger a binge eat. However if the individual learns other ways of dealing with their emotions it may help them to concentrate on something other than eating. Common coping skills used are meditation or even just talking. This would however involve the sufferer sharing their secret, which is something they will want to avoid.

There are a number of treatments available for this disorder; cognitive behavioural therapy is normally used to teach the sufferer certain monitoring techniques. Anti-depressants can also be used to help ease the emotional pain they are suffering. There are support groups and counsellors who can help as well.

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