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Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-Eating Disorder is characterized by periods of binge eating without
any compensatory behavior, such as vomiting or excessive exercise. That is,
Binge-Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia in that sufferers binge eat,
but it is a distinct disorder because sufferers of Binge-Eating Disorder
do not compensate for their over eating.
Because people with Binge-Eating Disorder experience frequent episodes
of out-of-control over eating, without compensating for the excess calorie
intake, many with the disorder are overweight or extremely obese for their
age, sex, and height.
Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated with this illness can lead
to bingeing again, creating a repeating cycle of binge eating.
Binge-Eating Disorder was only recognized as a distinct eating disorder in the 1990s.
It is currently estimated that between 2% to 5% of females living in Western
society will suffer from some form of Binge-Eating Disorder at some time
during their life.
Approximately one- third of Western people with Binge-Eating Disorder
are male, so less than 1% of Western males will suffer from some form of
Binge-Eating Disorder at some time during their life.
Signs and Symptoms
Binge-Eating Disorder is characterized by:
- Recurring binge eating episodes, which involves the consumption of large amounts of food within a short period of time. The person may feel a sense of loss of control and shame following these episodes.
- Each
binge-eating episode is associated with at least 3 of the following:
- Eating much more rapidly than normal.
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
- Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
- Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating;
- Feeling disgusted with oneself, distressed, depressed, or very guilty after overeating.
- Binge eating without any compensatory behavior, such as purging, fasting, or exercise.
- Overweight / Obese
- Because people with Binge-Eating Disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control over eating, without compensating for the excess calorie intake, many with the disorder are overweight or extremely obese for their age, sex, and height.
- Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated with this illness can lead to bingeing again, creating a repeating cycle of binge eating.
In addition to the signs and symptoms for each type of Eating
Disorder, a range of warning signs can also indicate the possible
development of an Eating Disorder.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis for Binge-Eating Disorder usually requires that the binge eating occurs, on average, at least twice a week over a period of at least 6 months.
Treatment
The treatment goals and strategies for Binge-Eating Disorder are similar to those for Bulimia (see section 5.8 Treatment above). Further research studies are currently evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions and other treatments for this condition.Binge Eating Disorder is a type of eating disorder characterized by sustained binge eating to excess followed by periods of guilt and disgust. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder does not include periods of purging. The disease is supposedly prevalent among 1-5% of the population. This disease affects women slightly more than men (60%-40%). Additionally, people with binge eating disorder can be of normal or over weight. Other characteristics include:
1. Feeling out of control with eating behavior 2. Eating when not hungry 3. Eating in secret 4. Depression is prevalent among people with this eating disorder 5. Feeling of shame and distress after the binge eating episode.
The health risks are the same as those associated with clinical obesity and include:
1. High cholesterol and blood pressure 2. Heart and gall bladder disease 3. Diabetes mellitus
Generally, people who appear to suffer for this eating disorder will have a low self esteem and could also be experiencing family and/or relationship problems. They could also have experienced some childhood trauma including severe bullying, teasing, physical or sexual abuse. Scientists are working on a link between disorders such as binge eating disorder to biological or biochemical causes. There have been findings linking hunger, appetite and digestion chemical imbalances in the brain with eating disorders.
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