Binge eating disorder is the most common form of disordered eating. However, it is not a distinct disorder in and of itself. Rather, it is part of a very broad category of eating disorders known as EDNOS (eating disorders not otherwise specified).
There are some similarities between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. As with bulimia, people who suffer from binge eating disorder engage in frequent and recurring episodes of eating unusually large quantities of food. During episodes of binging, they feel a loss of control over their eating. They experience a strong, almost irresistible, compulsion to gorge themselves. When the compulsion takes hold, people with binge eating disorder cannot stop themselves from consuming an excessive amount of food. Often binging episodes occur at night or in secret. Binge eaters may be very adept at hiding their disordered eating from significant others in their life.
Binge Eating Can Cause Guilt and Shame
Unlike people with bulimia, people who suffer from binge eating disorder do not feel a compulsion to purge after eating. Nor do they fast or engage in excessive exercise in an attempt to “burn off” the food taken in during an eating binge. Thus, while bulimics tend to be under weight or normal weight, people with binge eating disorder tend to be overweight. Many would be classified as obese.
Binge eating episodes are generally accompanied by painful levels of guilt and shame. As a result, people who suffer from binge eating disorder often vow to stop their binging. Unfortunately, they frequently start ineffective diets that only cause higher levels of personal distress. Indeed, their diets may serve to stimulate additional episodes of binging.
The exact cause of binge eating disorder is not yet known. However, it is generally believed that a number of different genetic and environmental factors play a role in how it develops and how it is maintained. Among other things, research has found that the presence of an eating disorder in a close relative increases the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Also, we know that obesity in childhood, low self-esteem, poor coping skills, and depression are risk factors for binge eating disorder. Even broad cultural messages about body size and shape may play a role in the dynamics of the disorder.
It is important to note that other psychological problems often co-exist with binge eating disorder. This is especially true among obese sufferers of this disorder. For example, it is not uncommon for obese individuals with binge eating disorder to show evidence of elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Of course, they also run a greater risk of certain physical problems. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease and between obesity and diabetes are well known.
Binge eating disorder is dangerous. It can exacerbate existing physical and psychological problems. People who suffer from binge eating disorder should never ignore it nor assume that it is some kind of weakness that can never be overcome. Binge eating disorder can be treated. Treatment can begin with any number of health professionals and specialized support groups such as Overeaters Anonymous.
However, the multi-modal nature of binge eating disorder means that it may require a team approach. For example, nutritional counseling and help with dieting may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At the same time, psychological counseling may be needed to get at underlying causes and to identify binge triggers. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be especially useful for correcting dysfunctional thinking. Finally, drug therapy may be necessary either to suppress appetite or to relieve depression.
If you or a loved one suffer from binge eating disorder, do not give up. But, do ask for help. Binge eating disorder is unlikely to get better all by itself. Talk with your physician. Help is out there.