Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Binge eating is an eating disorder that involves an eating unusually large amounts of food. The individual commonly feels out of control and ashamed during these binges.

Symptoms

• Binge eaters often exhibit behavior and emotional symptoms. These can include consuming large amounts of food, eating when full, eating fast, depression and anxiety.

Causes

• There is no specific cause known for binge eating. Biological, psychological and sociological causes are being researched.

Occurence

• According to the Weight-Control Information Network, binge eating is the most common eating disorder. Approximately three percent of adults in the U.S. are affected by binge eating..

Complications

• Binge eating causes weight gain. Obesity can cause many health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Treatments

• There are several treatment options for binge eating. Cognitive behavioral therapy, drug therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy or a combination of these can be used to help treat binge eating.

Warning

• If you believe you have a binge eating disorder, consult a health care professional.