Weight Loss:
Binge Eating
A person with a
binge eating disorder consumes a large amount of
food within two hours, and does it often. Having a binge
eating disorder means being unable to control the amount
of food consumed. You are unable to stop eating, even
when you are full.
Most of us overeat from time to time, and many people
often feel they've eaten more than they should have.
But, does this mean we are "binge eaters"? Probably not.
Eating a lot of food does not always mean that a person
has an eating problem.
How Common Is Binge Eating?
Binge eating disorder is probably the most common
eating disorder.
About 2% of all adults in the U.S. (as many as 4
million Americans) have binge eating disorder. About
10%-15% of people who are mildly obese and who try to
lose weight on their own or through commercial
weight-loss programs have this condition. The disorder
is even more common in people who are severely obese.
Unlike other eating disorders -- such as
bulimia nervosa or
anorexia nervosa -- a substantial number of men
suffer from binge eating disorder, but it is still more
common in women. It is more common among the severely
overweight, but can be found among people of any weight.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
No one knows. Scientists do know that about half of
the people with the condition have had
depression. But whether depression causes binge
eating disorder or the other way around isn't clear.
Furthermore, impulsive behavior and certain other
emotional problems can be more common in people with
binge eating disorder. Many people who are binge eaters
say that being angry, sad, bored, or worried can cause
them to binge eat.
It is also unclear if dieting and binge eating are
related. Some studies show that about half of all people
with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before
they started to diet.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals
and metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect
binge eating disorder. This research is still in the
early stages.
Is Binge Eating Unhealthy?
Yes, binge eating has been linked to the following
conditions.
What Are the Signs of Binge Eating Disorder?
Someone with a binge eating disorder has frequent
episodes of binge eating, occurring at least two days a
week for six months.
Binge eating episodes are associated with at least
three of the following symptoms.
- Eating rapidly
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating alone because of embarrassment
- Feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after
overeating
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