What research is being done to help people with binge eating disorder?
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by a feeling of shame, guilt, or distress. Unlike bulimia nervosa, there is no purging (e.g., vomiting, using laxatives) after a binge. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women and 2% of men.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The cause of BED is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Biological factors may include a family history of eating disorders or obesity, as well as problems with brain chemicals that control hunger and fullness. Psychological factors may include poor body image, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. Sociological factors may include pressure to be thin, pressure to meet societal expectations of beauty, and exposure to images of thin or “perfect” bodies.
What are the Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
The symptoms of BED include recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of shame, guilt, or distress. Binge eating episodes are characterized by eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time (e.g., within 2 hours) and feeling out of control during the episode. Individuals with BED often eat when they are not hungry and continue eating even when they are full. Binge eating episodes are typically accompanied by feelings of embarrassment, disgust, or depression.
What are the Complications of Binge Eating Disorder?
BED can lead to a number of serious health complications, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. BED can also lead to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?
BED is diagnosed when an individual meets the criteria for binge eating episodes and experiences associated emotional distress at least once a week for 3 months. A diagnosis of BED can be made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
The most effective treatment for BED is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Medications that are often used to treat BED include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-obesity medications.Read Full Report
How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is estimated that 3.5% of women and 2% of men in the U.S. will suffer from BED at some point in their lives.
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. A binge is defined as eating an amount of food that is much greater than what most people would eat in a similar situation and is often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. People with BED often feel that they cannot stop eating once they start and often feel disgusted or ashamed after a binge.
Binge eating disorder often goes hand-in-hand with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It is also associated with a number of physical health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Treating binge eating disorder can be a challenge, but there are a number of effective treatments available. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and medication.
If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from binge eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
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