Binge eating disorder and its health consequences

What is binge eating disorder?

People with binge eating disorder often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel out of control during the binges. People with binge eating disorder also may:

eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes
eat until they are uncomfortably full
eat when they are not hungry
eat alone because of embarrassment
feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating

What causes binge eating disorder?

No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. Researchers are looking at the following factors that may affect binge eating:

Depression. As many as half of all people with binge eating disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past.
Dieting. Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food.
Coping skills. Studies suggest that people with binge eating may have trouble handling some of their emotions. Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat.
Biology. Researchers are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect binge eating disorder. Research also suggests that genes may be involved in binge eating, since the disorder often occurs in several members of the same family.

Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge eating disorder. These include abusing alcohol, acting quickly without thinking (impulsive behavior), and not feeling in charge of themselves.

What are the health consequences of binge eating disorder?

People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating read more