Almost everybody tends to overeat at some point or occasion, but when overeating becomes a regular habit masked in embarrassment and secrecy, it gives way to binge eating disorder. This is a serious eating disorder in which the individual consumes large amounts of food and feels disgraced about gorging on food constantly. He/she tries to avoid eating such large amounts and vows to stop but the compulsion to overeat is so strong that all efforts are in vain.

Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders, yet it is not considered a distinct condition. Treatment can help you get control over your eating habits and help you overcome the embarrassment and shame.

Diagnosis of binge eating Disorder:

An individual with this disorder shows the following signs:

Has no control over consumption of food.

Eats unusually large amounts of food at one point of time which is more than a normal person’s intake.

During binge eating episodes he/she tends to eat more quickly than at other times.

Keeps gobbling down food until physically uncomfortable.

Eats huge servings of food even when not hungry.

Prefers to eat alone out of shame that other might discover.

Feels depressed, guilty and regretful after binging.

Risk Factors:

Most individuals with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese but people with normal weight and body structure can also have this disorder. Almost 4 million Americans have been diagnosed with binge eating disorder. This disorder is slightly more common in women than in men and it is estimated that four women for every two men have it. Individuals suffering from this disorder tend to become overweight at a younger age and may also lose weight and gain it back faster than those without the disorder.

Causes:

No specific cause of binge eating disorder has been established till date.

Although, 50% of the individuals suffering from this disorder have been depressed in the past, it is not yet certain as to whether depression triggers it or not.

Emotions such as happiness, anger, sadness and boredom along with impulsive and behavioral problems are common in individuals suffering from this disorder.

Also, certain individuals with the disorder had binge episodes prior to dieting. But the relationship between the two is yet to be established.

The use of certain drugs such as marijuana, grass etc. is known to cause binge eating disorder known as munchies.

Treatment:

An individual suffering from this disorder must get help from professional psychologists, psychiatrists, nutritionist, physicians, clinical social workers and physical fitness experts.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one f the steadiest approaches that helps individuals gain control over their eating habits.

Interpersonal psychotherapy as well as drug therapy may be suggested in some cases.