Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder that, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center, affects 4 percent of Americans. The disorder peaks at age 40 to 50, although it can and does occur at any age. It sometimes occurs in conjunction with bulemia nervosa, an eating disorder that involves bingeing followed by purging through induced vomiting. It is a little more common in women than in men, occurring in three women for every two men, according to Brown University. Binge eating disorder differs from simply eating too much occasionally and can be recognized by certain behaviors.
Manner of Eating
The National Institutes of Health's Weight-control Information Network explains that binge eating disorder involves eating more quickly than usual, eating until uncomfortably full and eating large amounts of food without being hungry. The person often feels out of control when it comes to food. Such over-consumption of food often leads to weight gain. While some people with binge eating disorder are not overweight or obese, most are. As with anyone who is seriously overweight, health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and joint problems, can result.
It is possible to regain control of food intake through treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with binge eating disorder learn how to keep track of their food intake and change bad habits.
Eating Alone
According to the National Institutes of Health's Weight-control Information Network, another sign of a binge eating disorder is a person who does most or all eating when alone. This is often out of embarrassment about the amount of food consumed. Friends and family may see the person consume only small amounts of food in their presence and find it hard to understand why the person is overweight. Much as alcoholics often hide liquor so they can sneak a drink, a person with binge eating disorder might hide food to eat in private.
Feelings of Depression, Guilt and Disgust
People suffering from the disorder are often depressed, guilty and even disgusted with themselves after a binge eating episode. They are more likely to abuse alcohol and act impulsively than people without the disorder, and are less aware of or willing to talk about their feelings.
According to the NIH's Weight-control Information Network, people with binge eating disorder often experience stress, sleeping problems and suicidal thoughts. Brown University reports approximately half of people with binge eating disorder either suffer from or have a history of depression. However, it isn't always clear if depression is a cause of the disorder or the result of it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with binge eating disorder learn how to feel better about themselves and how to handle emotions and stress in ways other than binge eating.
In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy, NYU's Langone Medical Center suggests interpersonal psychotherapy can help binge eaters look at relationships and make changes in areas that may negatively affect them. Anti-depressant medications may help some people suffering from the disorder.
