Binge eating disorder (B.E.D) is a relatively new term for a particular type of eating disorder. While anyone can be affected by binge eating disorder, it is more common among women. Over 6 million Americans, about 2% of men and 3.5% of women, have this condition at some point in their lives. Usually, binge eating disorder begins in the late teens or early 20s and it is most common among all eating disorders.
This is a serious mental illness marked by regular episodes of overeating, or binge eating. Several people suffering from this condition are usually overweight or obese, but it is not necessary that all overweight or obese people have BED. About two-third people with binge eating disorder are obese. Binge eating disorder is classified as a psychiatric illness, reports Eating Disorder Hope.
Interestingly, bulimia and binge eating disorder share some symptoms though the problems are different. People with bulimia also overeat regularly and may have the same negative feelings, like loss of control, shame, or guilt. However, people with bulimia "purge" afterward and they may also vomit, use laxatives or diuretics, or exercise too much. On the other hand, binge eating does not involve purging.
Usually, people with binge eating disorder feels that they are unable to check what or how much they are eating. Most of the time, they eat alone, until they feel sick, or when cannot eat anymore. After binge eating, they experience guilt, disgust, shame, or even sadness come. In fact, some may be so self-conscious about their behavior that they conceal it from their family and friends.
Binge eating disorder may also result in several other emotional or mental health problems like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse. They may also feel tensed, suffer from sleeping disorders, and also have low self-esteem or be shameful about their body image, Web MD states.
The precise causes of eating disorders are yet to be ascertained. Experts have said that a combination of factors, such as genes, psychology, and background, may be responsible. In fact, dieting can also result in this disorder, but experts are not sure whether this can trigger it alone. Some people with binge-eating disorder may be additionally susceptible to food cues like smells or images of food. Stressful or traumatic life events may also cause this disorder.
Fortunately, binge eating disorder is curable. Consulting a psychiatrist may help to overcome emotional issues while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can change the negative thought patterns that trigger binge eating. At the same time, interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps to deal with relationship problems. Most importantly, people with this condition should a nutritionist to learn healthy eating habits.
