Binge Eating Disorder

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder is an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food via vomiting, laxative abuse, or diuretic abuse.

Who is affected by binge eating disorder?

Individuals with binge eating disorder often:

  • Eat large quantities of food.

  • Do not stop eating until they are uncomfortably full.

  • Have a history of weight fluctuations.

  • Have more difficulty losing weight and keeping it off than people with other serious weight problems.

Binge eating disorder is found in about 2 to 3 percent of the general population, and is more often seen in women than men.

What are complications of binge eating disorder?

Medical complications that may result from binge eating disorder include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Overweight or obesity 

  • Increased risk for the following:

    • High cholesterol

    • High blood pressure

    • Diabetes

    • Gallbladder disease

    • Heart disease

    • Some types of cancer

  • Increased risk for psychiatric illnesses--particularly depression

People with binge eating disorder (and bulimia) typically consume huge amounts of food at one time--often junk food--to reduce stress and relieve anxiety.

  • With binge eating, however, comes guilt and depression.

  • Purging brings relief that is only temporary.

  • Individuals with bulimia are usually impulsive and more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Biochemistry and eating disorders

To understand eating disorders, researchers have studied the neuroendocrine system, which is made up of a combination of the central nervous and hormonal systems.

The neuroendocrine system regulates multiple functions of the mind and body. It has been found that many of the following regulatory mechanisms may be, to some degree, disturbed in persons with eating disorders:

  • Sexual function

  • Physical growth and development

  • Appetite and digestion

  • Sleep

  • Heart function

  • Kidney function

  • Emotions

  • Thinking

  • Memory

Eating disorders and depression

Many people with eating disorders also appear to suffer from depression, and it is believed that there may be a link between these two disorders. For example:

  • In the central nervous system, chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters control hormone production. The neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine have been discovered to have decreased levels in both acutely ill anorexia and bulimia patients, and long-term recovered anorexia patients.

  • Research has shown that some patients with anorexia may respond well to antidepressant medication that affects serotonin function in the body.

  • People with anorexia, or certain forms of depression, seem to have higher than normal levels of cortisol, a brain hormone released in response to stress. It has been shown that the excess levels of cortisol in both persons with anorexia and in persons with depression are caused by a problem that occurs in, or near, the hypothalamus of the brain.

  • Biochemical similarities have been discovered between people with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and patients with OCD frequently have abnormal eating behaviors.

Genetic and environmental factors related to eating disorders

Because eating disorders tend to run in families, and female relatives are the most often affected, genetic factors are believed to play a role in the disorders.

But, other influences, both behavioral and environmental, may also play a role. Consider these facts from the National Institute of Mental Health:

  • Although most victims of anorexia and bulimia are adolescent and young adult women, these illnesses can also strike men and older women.

  • Anorexia and bulimia are found most often in Caucasians, but these illnesses also affect African-Americans and other races.

  • People pursuing professions or activities that emphasize thinness, such as modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running, are more susceptible to these disorders.

Related Questions

Health Calculators

Weight Loss Calculator

Weight Loss Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie intake depending on your weight loss goal.

BMI/Overweight Calculator

BMI/Overweight Calculator

It help you figure out whether you are overweight, underweight or...

BMR Calculator

BMR Calculator

This calculator gives the amount of calories your body would burn If...

Calorie Burned Calculator

Calorie Burned Calculator

It will display the number of calories you'll approximately burn...