What are the complications of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. Binge eating episodes are characterized by both of the following:
1. Eating, in a discrete period of time (within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
Binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
1. Eating much more rapidly than normal
2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
4. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward
People with BED often eat in secret and feel ashamed or embarrassed about their eating. They may try to diet, but they find they cannot stick to their diets because they cannot control their urge to binge eat. As a result, people with BED often become overweight or obese. They may also have other emotional problems, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Binge eating disorder is a serious medical condition that can lead to long-term complications, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you or someone you know has symptoms of BED, it is important to seek professional help..Published here
What are the causes of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating. During a binge, an individual feels a loss of control and eats an excessive amount of food in a short period of time. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of BED. These include biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biological factors that may contribute to BED include:
-Genetic predisposition: Individuals with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have an eating disorder are more likely to develop an eating disorder themselves.
-Neurobiological factors: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, have been implicated in the development of BED.
-Stress: Exposure to chronic stress, such as that experienced in an abusive relationship or in a job with high demands, has been linked to the development of BED.
Psychological factors that may contribute to BED include:
-Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to develop BED.
-Perfectionism: Perfectionistic tendencies have been linked to BED.
-Dieting: Dieting, especially yo-yo dieting (repeated cycles of weight loss and weight gain), has been linked to the development of BED.
Sociocultural factors that may contribute to BED include:
-Media images: The idealized images of thinness that are often seen in the media can contribute to body dissatisfaction and the development of BED.
-Societal pressure to be thin: There is a lot of pressure in our society to be thin, particularly for women. This pressure can contribute to the development of BED.
-Family dynamics: Dysfunctional family dynamics, such as a lack of support or excessive criticism, can contribute to the development of BED.
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