Why Binge Eating Disorder May Cause Obesity
Here's what you should know about binge eating disorder--and why it causes obesity.
Binge Eating Disorder: What is It?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes where large amounts of food are consumed uncontrollably, causing guilt, stress or extreme dissatisfaction. People with BED eat excessive amounts of food even when they're not hungry, and often eat until they're physically unable to. This isn't a simple case of overeating on occasion: it's uncontrollable, episodic binges that are triggered by any number of events, such as feeling anxious, depressed or guilty.
This type of eating disordered behavior doesn't just occur with BED. It's also a common symptom in bulimia nervosa, another serious eating disorder. The difference here is bulimics 'purge' the calories out after a binge--people with binge eating disorder do not.
Why Binge Eating Disorder Causes Obesity
It's obvious why many people with binge eating disorder are obese: binging causes them to consume too many calories. It's not uncommon for people with BED to consume 2000 to 10,000 calories per sitting. Over time, the calories build up, adding more unwanted weight. Left untreated, people with BED can become obese, impacting their physical and mental well-being.
Certain conditions also occur with BED that increase a person's risk for obesity. Depression occurs in nearly 50 percent of all cases; many people with BED are also regular dieters. Depression makes BED worse by triggering more binges and making people less motivated to eat right or exercise. Dieting can trigger binges by eliminating too many calories--binges allow the body to get the calories it doesn't receive on a daily basis.
How to Stop Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity
People with binge eating disorder are at a high risk for obesity, making treatment critical for maintaining a healthy weight. Entering a eating disorder treatment program can help people manage their symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy and drug therapy (such as antidepressants) have high success rates.
Note: Because BED is a psychological condition, losing weight won't cure it. Many people who binge eat already diet--in fact, it makes it worse. If you are obese and have binge eating disorder, you should focus on your behaviors, not your weight. You can only keep the weight off if you have a healthy mindset.
Sources: "Binge Eating Disorder" (win.niddk.nih.gov)
Published by Ann Olson - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
When I'm not lifting 200 lbs. off the ground with my bare hands, I moonlight as a freelance reporter and diet consultant. What I do: I write regular diet and exercise-oriented columns for Yahoo! Sports, Yah... View profile
- The Monster that is ObesityAn article with some facts about obesity.
Prevent Obesity Before it Starts!While weight gain is almost as common as the common cold, it doesn't have to be. So many accept their bulging waist lines and attribute it to the cultural acceptance as well as...- Binge Eating Disorder: A Common Eating DisorderHeavy eating or snacking of unusually large amounts of food and feeling guilty about it is a sign of a common eating disorder called binge eating disorder.
Binge Eating DisorderNot as much is known about binge eating disorder as anorexia and bulimia. Here are the facts courtesy of the National Eating Disorders Association.- How is a Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?The DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition) defines binge eating disorder as recurring episodes of binge eating behaviors. The characteristics of this disorder include eating large q...
- Newest Study: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is America's #1 Eating Disorder
- All About Binge Eating Disorder
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Living with a Binge-Eating Disorder
- I Have a Binge Eating Disorder
- NIMH Study: Binge Eating Disorder May Be More Common Than Other Eating Disorders
- Recent Study Suggests Obesity in Childhood May Warn of Obesity in Later Years
- Most people with binge eating disorder are obese.
- Obesity occurs in most, but not all, people diagnosed with binge eating disorder.
- The key to stopping binge eating disorder--and obesity--is with specialized therapy, not a diet.