An eating disorder is defined as an unhealthy eating habit. Though most eating disorders involve limiting food intake, binge eating is the complete opposite. It is the uncontrolled intake of food well past the point of hunger.
People with a binge eating problem may eat when they are experiencing emotional difficulties: stress, anger or hurt. And while food can serve as a comfort, often it is their only way of dealing with their problems.
“Binge eating is more equally distributed across genders,” said Bunnell.
In a nation with ever-expanding waistlines, binge eating, of course, puts people at risk for piling on the pounds. Moreover, it increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
It is not understood why some people turn to binge eating, but experts believe that it is a combination of factors, including genetics, emotions and eating behaviors that are learned during childhood.
Someone with a binge eating disorder tends to eat very rapidly until uncomfortably full, often these periods occur more than twice a week. And these symptoms are combined with a tendency to eat alone out of embarrassment, and feel depressed, guilty or disgusted after a binge.
Less research has been done on binge eating than anorexia and bulimia, but treatment for a binge eating disorder can be successful. With time and the work of doctors, nutritionists and psychiatrists, said Bunnell, any eating disorder can be overcome.
