What is
binge eating disorder?
Binge
eating disorder is an illness which resembles bulimia nervosa.
Like bulimics, binge eaters have episodes of uncontrolled eating
or bingeing. However, binge eating disorder differs from bulimia
because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of excess food.
Individuals
with binge eating disorders feel that they lose control of themselves
when eating. They eat large quantities of food and do not stop
until they are uncomfortably full. Usually, they have more difficulty
losing weight and keeping it off than do people with other serious
weight problems. Most people with the disorder are obese and
have a history of weight fluctuations.
Who suffers
from binge eating disorders?
Although
it has only recently been recognized as a distinct condition,
binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder.
Most people with binge eating disorder are obese (more than
20 percent above a healthy body weight), but normal-weight people
also can be affected. Binge eating disorder probably affects
2 percent of all adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans.
Among adolescent and young adult women of America, as much as
4 percent suffer from binge-eating disorder. Recent research
shows about 30 percent of people participating in medically
supervised eating disorder programs suffer from binge eating.
Binge
eating disorder is more common in women, with three women affected
for every two men. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites;
its frequency in other ethnic groups is not yet known. Obese
people with binge eating disorder often became overweight at
a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may
have more frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo
dieting).
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What causes binge eating
disorder?
The
causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half
of all people with binge eating disorder have a history of depression.
Still, whether depression is a cause or effect of binge eating
is unclear. Many people report that anger, sadness, boredom,
anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger a binge episode.
Impulsive behavior and certain other psychological problems
may be more common in people with binge eating disorder. The
effect of dieting on binge eating disorder is also unclear.
While findings vary, early research suggests that about half
of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes
before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen
binge eating in some people.
How is binge eating treated?
Several
studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may
find it harder than other people to stay in weight loss treatment.
Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain weight quickly.
For these reasons, people with the disorder may require treatment
that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight.
Even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed
by their binge eating, and may benefit from treatment.
Several
methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder. Like
all eating disorders, binge eating should be treated on both
a physical and psychological level. Physicians and nutritionists
can help monitor weight gain/loss. Therapy can help modify behavior
and attitude. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients
techniques to monitor and change their eating habits as well
as to change the way they respond to difficult situations. Interpersonal
psychotherapy helps people examine their relationships with
friends and family and to make changes in problem areas. Treatment
with medications such as antidepressants may be helpful for
some individuals. Self-help groups also may be a source of support.
Researchers are still trying to determine which method or combination
of methods is the most effective in controlling binge eating
disorder. The type of treatment that is best for an individual
is a matter for discussion between the patient and her health
care provider.
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For more information . . .
You can find out more about eating disorders and other mental
disorders by contacting the following organizations:
National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA,
HHS
Phone: (800) 789-2647
Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org/
Weight Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH,
HHS
Phone: (877) 946-4627
Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders,
Inc.
Phone: (541) 344-1144
Internet Address: http://www.anred.com/
National Eating Disorders Association.
Phone: (800) 931-2237
Internet Address: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
This information was abstracted from fact sheets
prepared by the Weight Control Information Network, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease
