What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder, also known as compulsive overeating or food addiction, is an unhealthy relationship with food. People with binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, even if they are not physically hungry. Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness that can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems.
Binge eating disorder is different from overeating. Overeating is eating more food than you need, but it does not happen regularly. Binge eating disorder is defined as eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, at least once a week, for three months or longer. Binge eating disorder is much more common in women than men.
People with binge eating disorder often eat when they are not physically hungry. They may feel that they cannot control their eating. They may eat very quickly during a binge. Afterwards, they may feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed.
Health problems associated with binge eating disorder include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep problems. Binge eating disorder can also lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and Bulimia nervosa.
Binge eating disorder is treatable. Treatment may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both..Read Full Report
What are the long-term effects of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counteract the binge eating.
While the prevalence of BED in the general population is about 1-3%, it is much higher in those seeking treatment for obesity (10-15%) and those with depression (20-25%). Given its frequency and severity, it is not surprising that BED has been linked with a number of serious psychological and physical consequences.
Psychological consequences of BED include:
Increased risk for depression: BED is often comorbid with depression, and studies have found that those with BED are more likely to experience depression than those without BED.
Increased risk for anxiety disorders: BED is also often comorbid with anxiety disorders, and studies have found that those with BED are more likely to experience anxiety than those without BED.
Impaired body image and self-esteem: Those with BED often have a negative body image and low self-esteem. This is likely due to both the physical consequences of the disorder (e.g., weight gain) and the negative emotions associated with the disorder (e.g., shame, guilt, anxiety).
Impaired social functioning: BED can lead to impaired social functioning, as those with the disorder may avoid social situations out of fear of being judged or embarrassed about their eating habits.
Physical consequences of BED include:
Weight gain: BED is associated with weight gain, as frequent binge eating can lead to an increase in caloric intake.
Obesity: Obesity is a common consequence of BED, as about 50-60% of those with the disorder are obese.
Type 2 diabetes: BED is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, as binge eating can lead to insulin resistance.
High blood pressure: BED is associated with high blood pressure, as binge eating can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
High cholesterol: BED is associated with high cholesterol, as binge eating can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels.
Heart disease: BED is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, as binge eating can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Stroke: BED is associated with an increased risk for stroke, as binge eating can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Cancer: BED is associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening condition with a number of serious psychological and physical consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, please seek professional help.
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