The Skinny on Binge-Eating Disorder
Normal or not?
We all overeat from time to time—taking an extra helping at Thanksgiving dinner or having dessert when you're already full. But for some people, excessive overeating that feels out of control - and becomes a regular occurrence - crosses the line to binge-eating disorder.
So what is binge-eating disorder then?
Binge-eating disorder is a serious eating disorder in which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel unable to stop eating. The food is often used to cope with stress and other negative emotions, even though afterwards those that suffer from binge-eating feel even worse. This creates a dangerous cycle that can become self-perpertuating.
What causes binge-eating disorder?
The precise causes of binge-eating disorder are unknown. But genetics, psychological issues, biological factors, and a history of long-term dieting increase your risk. Specific risk factors include: family history (if your parents or sibling had an eating disorder you're more likley to as well); psychological issues (such as stress, poor body self-image); history of food issues (like frequent calorie restriction), and age (this disorder often begins in late teens or 20s).
What's the difference between overeating and binge-eating disorder?
The first hallmark is that most people with binge-eating disorder are overweight, though many are not. Though they frequently watch what they eat, many times the scale doesn't budge. Behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms include: eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, like a 3-hour period; feeling that eating behavior is out of control; eating even when full or not hungry; frequently eating alone or in secret; feeling sad, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about eating habits.
How is binge-eating different from other eating disorders?
Unlike with other eating disorders, after a binge, there is typically no compensatory behavior like vomiting, overly-strenuous exercise, or using laxatives for the extra calories eaten. Usually, one goes back to eating normal meals, or perhaps carefully managing food. But there is often a cyclical effect, and restricting one's diet may simply lead to more binge eating for those that have this condition.
How can I judge the severity of binge-eating disorder?
In order to be classified as binge-eating disorder, one needs to binge-eat at least once a week for three months. The severity of binge-eating disorder is determined by how often episodes of bingeing occur during a week. The more that a person eats alone, to hide from others how much they are consuming, the more serious the disease is.
Who is affected by binge-eating disorder?
Binge-eating disorder occurs in both women and men, and across all races and ethnicities. Surprisingly, it is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
When to seek help
If you have any symptoms of binge-eating disorder, please seek medical help as soon as possible. Binge-eating disorder typically doesn't get better on its own, and may in fact get worse if left untreated.
Have a loved one you're worried about?
A person with binge-eating disorder may become an expert at hiding their behavior, which makes it hard for others to detect what's going on. If you have a loved one you think may have symptoms of binge-eating disorder, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns.
In order to be classified as binge-eating disorder, one needs to binge-eat at least once a week for three months.
A study published on Tuesday in the journal SLEEP suggested that the brain receptors that can lead the sleep-deprived to crave unnecessary food were the same as those activated by marijuana. Essentially, not sleeping can give you a ferocious case of the munchies. So get some sleep - aim for 8 hours a night - it can give you more than just beauty rest!
