Binge Eating Disorder

The cause of binge eating disorder is yet to be ascertained, but with more research, we’ve been able to understand the factors that lead to the compulsion to eat uncontrollably. Binge eating like every other eating disorder can be caused by a combination of environmental, biological, and psychological factors and can occur averagely occur on a minimum of two to three times per week for a duration of five to six months.

A BED can occur in both male and female and has been associated with other mental health illnesses, and almost half of all the people with the eating disorder are linked with depression. Nevertheless, the exact nature of the link is unsure. Albert Stunkard first explained it in 1959 as a Night Eating syndrome (NES), but binge was described as an eating disorder outside the nocturnal scope.

An episode of BED is being triggered by anger, sadness, shame, boredom and other negative emotional factors, patients reported. Binge eating can be hereditary since an individual with the disorder mostly from families overeat or use food as a way to soothe themselves.

This strange habit becomes uncontrollable as the persons with binge eating disorder uses food to relieve themselves when they are stressed, angry, moody, angry or when they have mood swings; and not because they are hungry.

Binge Eating Disorder

The adverse effect of binge eating leads to unwanted weight gain or obesity, hence, leading to the urge to eat more.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Patients with BED go through a series of embarrassing or shameful scenarios as a result of their disorder; symptoms often stay hidden. The following are signs of binge eating disorder:

  • An uncontrollable urge to eat even when full
  • Hiding food to eat for a later time
  • Keeping the eating habit a secret
  • Using food as a means to relieve stress or anxiety
  • The compulsion to always consume no matter the amount of food eaten

The adverse side effects of Binge eating not only affect individuals physically, socially but also mentally, and patients have increased emotional difficulties as a result. The complications are a result of the following:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Insomnia
  • Sleep apnea
  • Anxiety
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal difficulties

Treatment of BED

A BED is effectively tackled when professional support is introduced. Interventions from health specialists, nutritionists, psychiatrists and therapists, who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders, handle the treatment best.

Treatments are focused on the underlying reasons associated with the harmful habit, and giving appropriate guidance in establishing healthier ways to deal with stress, depression, anxiety, etc.