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According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, more than 30 million Americans will have an eating disorder at some point. However, nearly 3% of us will develop binge eating disorder (BED).
What is Binge Eating?
Overeating is something everyone does from time to time, especially around holidays or other significant events. However, BED differs because it is a compulsive act generally brought on by distress. A binge eater will:
- Binge eat weekly for at least three months
- Eat alone due to feelings of guilt, shame or disgust
- Eat rapidly
- Eat until an entire food package is finished
- Eat until uncomfortably full
- Eat when they are not hungry
- Hide food or lie about food consumption
Warning Signs
Approximately 60 percent of BED patients are female. BED tends to start in early adulthood for women, while the disorder most often appears in midlife for men. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, signs someone you care about is suffering from BED are:
- Changes lifestyle or plans around binge sessions
- Develops food rituals like excessive chewing
- The disappearance of food or lots of empty wrappers
- Expresses negative feelings after overeating, like disgust
- Frequently checks their appearance in the mirror
- Frequently tries fad diets
- Often worries about body weight and shape
- Skips meals or eats small portions at mealtimes
- Steals or hides food
- Doesn’t want food around others or seems uncomfortable doing so
- Unable to control when they stop eating
- Weight fluctuations
Impact on Health
Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve extreme attempts to control weight gain. As a result, two-thirds of people with BED are overweight, placing themselves at increased risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer and fertility problems. People with BED frequently also experience symptoms of anxiety or depression.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, contact your doctor. The good news is, BED can be treated successfully. Treatment may consist of medication, a medically supervised program of balanced diet and exercise and, in some cases, psychotherapy to address any underlying emotional issues.
