What Are The Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorder
If you have binge eating disorder, you:
- Eat more food than other people do in the same situation.
- Diet a lot
- Lose desire for sex
People with binge eating disorder don’t try to throw up after overeating. You can get other health problems related to gaining weight or unhealthy eating, too, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
You also may have trouble sleeping, muscle and joint pain, and digestive problems. Women may have irregular or infrequent menstrual periods.
Myth: Weight Loss Or Dieting Cures Binge Eating Disorder
Fact: Dieting can actually trigger binge eating disorder.
Contrary to what some may think, dieting is not the binge eating cure. The desire to lose weight that initiates the dieting process can result in deprivation or restrictive eating habits. This deprivation can trigger people prone to binge eating disorder, as it creates additional stress and hyper-focus on food. Resorting to a diet to stop binge eating is likely to actually reinforce the behavior due to that deprivation/binge cycle. Even if one succeeds in weight loss, this doesnt mean that the binge disorder is cured.
Binge eating, like any eating disorder, is about ones relationship with food and its impact on ones life, health and functioning. Regardless of a persons weight, this relationship is the deciding factor about whether an eating disorder is active or in remission. Someone who wants to find out how to stop binge eating should look into treatment options that address this underlying relationship with food along with any other co-occurring conditions.
The myth of weight loss or dieting as a cure for binge eating disorder is a dangerous one, as it perpetuates an activity that can actually worsen the condition by default. The shame and guilt that people with binge eating disorder experience is also perpetuated by the cycles of restriction and binge behaviors.
Myth: Binge Eating Disorder Is Rare
Fact: Binge eating disorder is more common than anorexia, bulimia, HIV and breast cancer.
Binge eating disorder statistics show that it is the most common eating disorder, with a prevalence of more than three times the rates of anorexia and bulimia combined. Binge eating disorder is likely to be even more common than we realize, considering that many people with the condition remain untreated and do not tell others about it due to shame or embarrassment about the disorder.
Binge eating disorder was differentiated from other types of eating disorders in 2013 when the fifth edition of the DSM was published. A distinction was made between binge eating and bulimia as a result of the recognition that not everyone who binges engages in behaviors to rid themselves of the food consumed . In fact, it has been discovered that it is far more common for people to have binge eating disorder without purging. This was an important distinction for the increased awareness of both disorders and legitimized the two conditions as distinct and separate.
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What Is Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms Risks & Causes
Binge Eating Disorder has been discussed as a disordered eating behavior since the 1950s but was not officially recognized as its own diagnosis until the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published its 5th Edition in 2013. Even so, this is not an indicator of the severity or prevalence of BED throughout history. In fact, BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, therefore, awareness of signs, symptoms, and treatment interventions is important.
Theres A Genetic Predisposition To Binge Eating Disorder
A close family history of depression or addictionwhether to drugs, alcohol or painkillershas been shown to coincide with eating disorders, including BED . Those with genetic conditions such as celiac disease and Crohns, which require restricted eating regimes, have been shown to be more prone to developing binge eating disorder, Murphy says, though no actual genetic link between the two has been found.
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Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Binge eating disorder is a serious eating disorder that can require professional treatment. Waldens binge eating disorder treatment is based on evidence-based practices and skills training, which are proven to yield a higher rate of positive outcomes. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Dialectical Behavior Therapy pharmacotherapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy .
Read our blog posts about binge eating disorder to learn more about symptoms, treatment and more.
Certain Personality Types Are More Prone To The Disorder
High-risk factors for having an eating disorder, including BED, have been identified by scientists. Personalities that are inclined toward perfectionism, difficulties regulating emotion, having a rigid thinking style , and stress eating, are all more likely to fall victim. Those who suffer from anxiety or low self-esteem, or harbor obsessive-compulsive tendencies, are all more likely to have binge eating disorder too, says Murphy.
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Not All People With Binge Eating Disorder Are Overweight
While many binge eaters are overweight, you can be of normal weight while suffering from the disorder. Its interesting to note that most obese people dont engage in recurrent binge eating episodes, says Murphy. Experts say giant portions, a diet high in factors like calories, saturated fat and fast foods, as well as a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to obesity much more so than the loss-of-control binge eating episodes that characterize binge eating disorder.
Bed Research: What Do We Know
Since Binge Eating Disorder was first mentioned in the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1987, research on BED has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. In fact, in 2013, BED was added to the latest, fifth edition, of the DSM as its own diagnosis.
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Why Is Binge Eating Disorder Increasing
The reason for the increase in the incidence of binge eating disorder is difficult to pinpoint. One possible explanation is an increase in stress levels across the United States. As stress levels increase, people are more likely to look to coping mechanisms, such as binge eating, to deal with the stress in their lives. Another possible explanation is the rise of fad diets. Many of these diets require participants to place severe restrictions on their intake of certain foods or calories in general. When these requirements are too stringent, people are more prone to episodes of binge eating. Yet another factor that may contribute to the spread of binge eating disorders is the increase in the incidence of negative body image, especially among females. The media perpetuates an image of perfection that few people can really attain. In fact, many of the images used on television or in magazines have been enhanced and edited to increase their appeal. Unfortunately, media consumers still develop an unrealistic picture of how the human body should look. This leads to negative body image, which contributes to the development of all eating disorders.
Why Is Binge Eating Disorder Harmful
Binge eating disorder can contribute to many psychological and physical problems through a persons life. Complications of binge eating disorder may include difficulty functioning at work, social isolation, dermatological effects , gastrointestinal effects , and medical conditions related to being in higher-weight bodies, such as heart disorder, joint issues, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease .
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The Spread Of Binge Eating Disorder In The United States
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, binge eating disorder currently affects approximately 1.2 percent of all people in the United States. It is diagnosed twice as frequently among females as it is among males, and it usually begins when an individual is around the age of 21. The lifetime prevalence of binge eating disorder in the United States is 2.8 percent.
Eating disorders in general have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, according to a study published in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, the prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses has increased sharply over the past 13 years, now impacting more than 20 percent of male students and more than 30 percent of female students. Binge eating disorder is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder of all, and its incidence only continues to grow.
Statistical Methods And Measurement Caveats
This webpage presents data from the following sources.
National Comorbidity Survey Replication
Diagnostic Assessment and Population:
- The NCS-R is a nationally representative, face-to-face, household survey conducted between February 2001 and April 2003 with a response rate of 70.9%. DSM-IV mental disorders were assessed using a modified version of the fully structured World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview , a fully structured lay-administered diagnostic interview that generates both International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, and DSM-IV diagnoses. The DSM-IV criteria were used here. Participants for the main interview totaled 9,282 English-speaking, non-institutionalized, civilian respondents. Eating disorders were assessed in a subsample of 2,980 respondents. The Sheehan Disability Scales assessed disability in work role performance, household maintenance, social life, and intimate relationships on 010 scales. The NCS-R was led by Harvard University.
Survey Non-response:
- In 2001-2002, non-response was 29.1% of primary respondents and 19.6% of secondary respondents. Reasons for non-response to interviewing include: refusal to participate respondent was reluctant- too busy but did not refuse circumstantial, such as intellectual developmental disability or overseas work assignment and household units that were never contacted .
- For more information, see PMID: 15297905 and the NIMH NCS-R study page.
Survey Non-response:
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Effects Of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder affects people in a number of ways. In some cases, individuals who have binge eating disorder become overweight because of their excessive calorie intake during episodes of binging. People who have this disorder may also experience psychological complications because of their binge eating episodes. For example, many people with binge eating disorder become socially isolated because of shame associated with binging episodes and/or their appearance. Problems functioning at work and poor quality life are common among people with this disorder as well. Among people who become obese because of binge eating disorder, additional medical conditions may develop. Examples include sleep-related breathing disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, type 2 diabetes and joint problems.
Binge eating disorder often occurs simultaneously with certain psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and depression.
Emotionnot Hungeris What Appears To Be The Driving Force Behind Binge Eating Disorder
The disorder is still newly classified, so research is underway and all of the causes of binge eating disorder arent known just yet. However, there are correlations between binge eating disorder and different manifestations of sadness and emotional stress. The most common trigger for an episode is feeling bad or depressed, says Murphy. This could be due to relationship and work problems, stress from battling weight fluctuations and body image issues, feelings of loneliness, and even boredom.
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Prevalence Of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder among Americans, affecting people at higher rates than bulimia and anorexia. Binge eating disorder prevalence in American adults is estimated at 1.2%, compared to 0.3% for bulimia and 0.6% for anorexia. Approximately 62.6% of the population with binge eating disorder experiences functional impairment, either in social, familial, or professional relations.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating is when you eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time and feel you cant control what or how much you are eating. If you binge eat regularlyat least once a week for 3 monthsyou may have binge eating disorder.
If you have binge eating disorder, you may be very upset by your binge eating. You also may feel ashamed and try to hide your problem. Even your close friends and family members may not know you binge eat.
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What Are Physical Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms
During a binge episode, you might not notice anything other than the drive to keep eating. But afterward, a host of physical symptoms may begin. According to a 2019 study published in the journal Nutrients,2 these can include:
- Stomach discomfort, pain, or cramping
- Nausea or feeling ill
- Constipation or feeling blocked
- Weight gain
If the eating pattern continues, you might notice that your bodys hunger and fullness signals change, too. If you are less sensitive to those signals, it can affect your ability to stop eating during a binge episode.
Its important to know that even though weight gain is a symptom, not everyone with binge eating disorder is overweight and most people diagnosed with obesity dont have binge eating disorderBED can develop at any weight. Since people with BED often take great pains to hide their eating behaviors, you may not even know if a friend or loved one is struggling with this.3
How Does Binge Eating Disorder Affect A Woman’s Health
Many, but not all, women with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese. Obesity raises your risk for many serious health problems:12
- High cholesterol
- Gallbladder disease
- Certain types of cancer, including breast, endometrial , colorectal, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, thyroid, and gallbladder cancer13
- Problems with your menstrual cycle, including preventing ovulation, which can make it harder to get pregnant
People with binge eating disorder often have other serious mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. These problems can seriously affect a woman’s everyday life and can be treated.
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What Are The Complications Of Binge Eating Disorder
The poor eating habits that are common in people with binge eating disorder can lead to serious health problems. The major complications of binge eating disorder are the conditions that often result from being obese. These include:
- Malnutrition
- Sleep problems
In addition, people with binge eating disorder can be extremely distressed by their binge eating. And in some cases, people will neglect their jobs, school, or social activities to binge eat.
Myth: Binge Eating Doesnt Have Any Long
Fact: Binge eating disorder can lead to long-term physical, emotional and social consequences.
The health consequences of binge eating disorder can include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Additional effects of binge eating disorder include social isolation, low self-esteem and depression. For the 1 in 4 people who have a co-occurring diagnosis of PTSD and binge eating disorder, the likelihood of social isolation is even greater.
Feelings of shame and embarrassment over the condition may result in self-esteem challenges and a refusal to eat in front of other people. Because so many of our cultural norms revolve around food consumption, people with binge eating and other eating disorders may avoid social gatherings for fear of judgment.
There is more social awareness and healthy conversations about body shaming than there has been in the past, however, for people with eating disorders, these challenges are deeply ingrained. As our culture expands awareness of binge eating disorder and myths are dispelled, it is more likely that people with the condition will seek the treatment they need to live healthier, happier lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with binge eating disorder and addiction, contact The Recovery Village today. A caring representative will help you understand treatment options to address both substance abuse and binge eating at the same time. Contact us to get started on your path to recovery.
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Recuperation From Binge Eating Disorder
People suffering from BED may not avoid looking for assistance and support due to fear of possible cold reception or rejection if they reveal the extent of their behavior. Being ashamed and worrying about rejection may prevent one from changing. It may take for one to overcome the intense feeling of isolation common in BED.
One can only start to recover once he/she is ready to change. Spotting and breaking dieting cycle and as well as the binge eating cycle is vital in the recovery process.
One’s attempt to break their cycle of binge eating can be made easier with the support of a loved one who attempts to understand where the disorder is stemming from.
A significant majority of people will have some episodes of relapse on their pathway to recovery it is important to consider them as a stepping stone of recovery rather than a failure. Studying ways of surviving these periods of relapse can increase probability of long-standing recovery.
Individuals suffering from BED must seek assistance from a health care expert like a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social professional. Just like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, there are various binge eating disorder treatments that may be effective.
- Advice on nutrition and psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Drug therapy, like antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine or drugs for reducing appetite, according to a qualified doctors prescription.
Are There Any Binge Eating Disorder Complications
The health complications associated with binge eating disorder can include rapid weight fluctuations and mental health issues, but again, this eating disorder can be diagnosed at any weight. Only about a third of people with BED have clinical obesity, per the NED.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these are some other binge eating disorder complications that can arise:
- Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of changes in the body that can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease
- Heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
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How Is Binge Eating Disorder Different From Bulimia Nervosa
People who have bulimia nervosa routinely try to prevent weight gain after binge eating by vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or exercising excessively. People with binge eating disorder may occasionally try these strategies to avoid weight gain, but it is not a regular part of their binge-eating behavior.