Eating Disorders: Binge eating

Binge eating is the consumption of unusually large amounts of food in a discrete time period. Individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder practice binge eating. Those with bulimia nervosa follow binge eating with some type of purging behavior (i.e. self-induced vomiting, laxatives, etc.). Those with binge eating disorder do not practice purging, but have feelings of lost control and marked distress over their eating behavior. Normal or overweight individuals who meet the criteria for bulimia nervosa, but who do not practice purging or other compensating behaviors, are diagnosed with binge eating disorder.



The prevalence of binge eating disorder in the
general population is unknown but studies suggest that approximately 25-50 percent
of obese individuals binge eat. Studies also suggest that those suffering
from binge eating disorder have difficulties with impulse control in other
areas of their lives.



Binge Eating Disorder - Warning Signs


In the early 1990s, a new eating disorder was recognized, binge eating disorder. This disorder is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating. Most binge eaters are obese and have a history of weight fluctuations. Co-occurring psychiatric illness is also common, especially depression.

Warning signs of binge eating disorder are listed below:

• Frequently eats an abnormal amount of food in a discrete period of time.
  
• Eats rapidly.
  
• Eats to the point of being uncontrollably full.
  
• Often eats alone.
  
• Shows irritation and disgust with self after overeating.
  
• Does not use methods to purge.
  

Binge Eating Disorder - Medical Consequences

Compulsive binge eating disorder involves compulsive, uncontrolled eating and bingeing. Some common medical consequences that often result from this behavior are listed below:

• High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and elevated triglyceride levels cause hardening of the arteries, heart disease and heart attacks.
  
  
  
• Overeating simple carbohydrates -- sweets and junk food -- places stress on the pancreas. At first there is an abnormally low amount of glucose in the blood. Later in life, secondary diabetes can result.