Binge Eating Disorder

Kaiser Permanente Health Matters

What is binge eating disorder? boredom, loneliness, anger, or sadness may trigger a binge eating episode. Binge eating disorder is a psychological condition characterized by frequent eating Dieting can increase the risk of developing binges. To binge is to eat a large amount a binge eating problem. Some research of food in a short period of time, generally suggests that 50 percent of people with in less than two hours. During a binge a binge eating disorder had the disorder person feels that their eating is out of prior to beginning to diet; however, strict control. Afterward they feel guilty, anxious, dieting can worsen binge eating disorder. and/or depressed. People with binge Researchers are currently investigating eating disorder do not purge after a the role of brain chemicals and how the binge, as do people who suffer from way the body burns calories (metabolism) bulimia nervosa. It is important to note affects binge eating disorder. that eating large amounts of food does not necessarily mean that a person has Why is it important to seek Many people with binge eating disorder. treatment for binge eating binge eating disorder Who suffers from binge eating disorder? never seek treatment, but disorder? Many people with binge eating disorder the problem rarely Binge eating disorder affects about 2 never seek treatment, but the problem percent of adults in the United States. It rarely goes away by itself. If left untreated, goes away by itself. can affect people from any age or ethnic people with binge eating disorder can group. Binge eating disorder appears to become severely overweight or obese. The affect men and women equally. Commonly, main health problems associated with obese people with binge eating disorder binge eating are problems that go along were overweight as children. People with with obesity. These health problems binge eating disorder often have problems include diabetes, heart problems, high with yo-yo dieting, or losing weight and cholesterol, gallbladder problems, high then regaining weight. Almost 50 percent blood pressure, and certain types of chronic of people in weight loss programs may pain problems. Binge eating can also be have binge eating disorder. associated with other mental health problems, including depression. What causes binge eating disorder? Should people with binge eating disorder try to diet? It is not known what causes binge eating disorder. It is estimated that up to 50 People of normal or slightly above normal percent of people with binge eating dis- weight should not diet. This can some- order also have problems with depression. times make binge eating worse. Some It is unclear if depression is a cause of, an people with binge eating disorder effect of, or is unrelated to binge eating become severely overweight and may disorder. Many people state that stress, experience medical problems related to

Regional Health Education weight. For these people, weight loss •Set attainable goals. Remember to be When to call Kaiser Permanente is an important treatment goal. It is proud of every success, no matter how Call your doctor if you recognize any of important to discuss diet plans with a small. these warning signs of binge eating disor- nutritionist and your primary care •Be patient. Setbacks are part of der: doctor before starting any diet. recovery. • using body weight as a primary Does treatment really work? •Don’t let the scale run your life. The measure of self-worth numbers on the scale don’t reflect your • having an extreme dissatisfaction Yes. Many people with binge eating self-worth. disorder can be treated successfully by with your body image psychologists, social workers, family Recommended Reading • eating large amounts of food when you are not physically hungry therapists, and psychiatrists with experi- Overcoming Binge Eating, C. Fairburn, ence in eating disorders. In many instances Guilford Press. ISBN: 0898621798 • eating until uncomfortably full a team is involved in treatment, including •feeling guilty or depressed after eating Self-Esteem: Tools for Recovery, L. Hall physicians, dietitians, and case managers. and L. Cohen, Gurze Designs. •preferring to eat alone While a medical evaluation is recom- ISBN: 0936077085 •withdrawing from family and friends. mended, most treatments for binge eating disorder do not require a hospital Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies stay. But treatments do not work instantly. for Family and Friends, M. Siegel and Other resources J. Brisman, Harper-Collins. They can be difficult and require hard • Connect to our Web site at ISBN: 0060952334. work from the patient and their family. members.kp.org. Here you'll find Treatment for binge eating may include For Women and Girls the Health Encyclopedia, which a combination of individual and/or group Breaking Free from Compulsive Eating, G. offers more in-depth information psychotherapy, behavioral weight pro- Roth, Plume. ISBN: 0452270847 on this and many other topics. grams, nutritional counseling, medications, For Men and Boys • Check your Kaiser Permanente exercise, and family education. Psycho- Making Weight: Healing Men’s Conflicts Healthwise Handbook. therapy (namely cognitive-behavioral with Food, Weight, and Shape, • Listen to the Kaiser Permanente therapy) has been shown to improve A. Anderson, L. Cohn, T. Holbrook and Healthphone at 1-800-332-7563. self-control and decrease the behaviors T.M. Holbrook, Gurze Designs. For TTY, call 1-800-777-9059. that lead to binging. Family or couples ISBN: 0936077352. therapy may be a part of the treatment • Contact your Kaiser Permanente plan. Therapists can guide family members Recommended Web sites Health Education Center or in understanding binge eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Department for books, videos, and learning new techniques for coping Disorders, Inc. (ANRED) classes, and additional resources. with problems. The sooner treatment anred.com starts, the better. As with most problems, Eating Disorder Referral and the treatment is most successful if the Information Center problem is recognized early. edreferral.com What can you do if you have Mental Help Net binge eating disorder? mentalhelpnet.com Recognizing that you have a problem is Something Fishy the first step to getting better. something-fishy.org •Seek professional help. Talk with your physician or behavioral medicine specialist.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor.