- Definition
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Treatment
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Definition
Highlights: Compulsive Overeating
Compulsive overeaters, also known as binge eaters, overeat but do not purge, which usually leads them to become overweight. The pattern of eating may range from three meals a day plus snacks in between to eating throughout the day, instead of eating large amounts all at once.
SymptomsSo how does someone know if they are a binge eater?
Almost everyone overeats occasionally, and sometimes depending on the circumstances individuals may need to eat a large amount of food. What separates these situations from binge eating starts with feeling as though one cannot control one's eating. Other characteristics include eating what most people think is an unusually large amount of food, eating that amount quickly, eating to the point of discomfort and eating even when not hungry. In addition, binge eaters often feel depressed or embarrassed about their eating habits.
Binge eating also takes place in another eating disorder called bulimia nervosa.
In the strictest sense, binge eating is separate from bulimia nervosa, because people with bulimia often perform some activity to keep from gaining weight after they overeat. Either they purge, which means vomiting or using diuretics; fast, which means not eating for long periods of time; or do strenuous exercise.
Compulsive overeating might be the most common eating disorder in the United States, where as many as 4 million adults struggle with the disorder. About 15 percent of the mildly obese who try to lose weight on their own or with commercial products have the disorder, and the rates are said to be higher among the severely obese. Although most people with this problem are overweight to obese, binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men. Three women for every two men have it. The disorder affects blacks as often as caucasians. No one knows how often it affects people in other ethnic groups.
Side Effects
People who compulsively overeat sometimes isolate themselves from public gatherings because of their embarrassment and depression over the disorder. It may even lead to missed work and school. The ability to hide their habits becomes so good that often the people closest to them don't even know they have the disorder.
Health Hazards
Since binge eating often centers around consuming foods high in fat and sugar, many sufferers may not be getting the nutrients they need. The depression associated with the disorder is a constant health difficulty. The obesity that regularly arises from the disorder can also lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
CausesDepression is one hypothesis for why people become binge eaters. But no one is really sure if depression comes first and leads to binge eating or vice versa. It is more common for people with the disorder to behave impulsively and have other emotional problems, however. And many report being angry, sad, bored or worried -- all of which sufferers say can cause them to binge eat.
It is also unclear if dieting and binge eating are related. Some studies show that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet.
TreatmentThere are several options for people who want help with controlling this disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits, as well as changing the way they react in difficult situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas. Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people. Paired with the therapy and drug options, a weight-loss program can also be helpful. No one is sure which option, or combination of options is best, making it a very individual process. It is best to seek initial guidance from your doctor.
Many people with eating disorders have trouble admitting they have a problem and may not want to seek treatment. Having trusted people around them, like family and friends, can help ensure people with the disorder get the help they need. For some people, this can be a long-term process, but one that can save the lives of the people with eating disorders.
Sources:
- National Institute of Health
- National Eating Disorder Association
Last Reviewed By: Sarah Todd Davidson
