Those with binge eating disorder suffer from frequent compulsions to eat excessive amounts of food and feel helpless to control their behaviors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 4 million American adults have binge eating disorder. If you believe that you or a loved one may have binge eating disorder, seek guidance from a qualified professional. There are many characteristics of binge eating disorder that can signal its presence.
Shame and Embarrassment
People with binge eating disorder tend to experience a great deal of shame and embarrassment regarding their binging behaviors. According to the Mayo Clinic, those with the disorder often consume exorbitant amounts of food and promptly commit to putting an end to these behaviors that cause them emotional pain. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Public Services, up to half of those diagnosed with the disorder have depression or history of depression, which also contributes to feelings of personal shame or embarrassment. Additional feelings that may trigger or worsen in response to a binge episode include anger, sadness, boredom, stress, loneliness, anxiety and frustration.
Closeted Eating Habits
Since they feel ashamed of their binging behaviors, those with compulsive overeating disorder tend to binge alone and behind closed doors, where their overeating cannot be observed. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is an important distinction between binge overeating and normal overeating, which everyone experiences on occasion.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggest that many people with the disorder restrict calories during the day, often as a means of "making up for" excessive calories they've binged upon prior. This often leads to additional binge episodes, creating a vicious cycle of feast (overeating) or famine (starvation). Learning to eat normal amounts of food in front of others and addressing underlying issues that may've lead to the disorder in the first place are significant aspects of recovery.
Carrying Excess Bodyweight
Since those with binge eating disorder consume excessive amounts of food, they are often overweight and thus at risk for a variety of serious health consequences, including high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and heart disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, obese individuals who have the disorder often exhibit mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or personality disorders.
The American Psychological Association suggests that those with binge eating disorder seek treatment programs that primarily address thoughts, behaviors and underlying issues that contribute to the disorder. Though weight management is also key, weight is likely to return if the conflicts that lead to the initial weight gain are not addressed. Those with the disorder must learn healthy ways to cope with negative feelings and situations, while developing healthy eating and lifestyle habits for best long-term results.
