Binge eating disorder is a mental illness resembling bulimia nervosa. Similar to the bulimics, patients suffering from binge eating disorders also experience uncontrolled desires of eating, also known as bingeing. However, there are certain characteristics that differentiate binge eating disorder from bulimia nervosa – people with binge eating disorders are habituated to purge the excess foods out of the body.

Binge eating disorder cannot be regarded as a common condition. While there are patients experiencing these problems in some corners of the globe, but the condition isn’t really prevalent. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 1 out of 5 women suffer from binge eating disorders, while about 40% is contributed by men. Binge eating disorder affects 2% of the adults that includes 1 million-2 millions of America’s populace.

The binge-eaters usually eat large amounts to food to fulfill their emotional void and try to cope up with the various challenges of life. They suffer from emotional insecurity that leads to such severe mental weakness. Practically, their overeating tendency leads to the feeling of shame, disgust and guilt. These people are usually overweight or obese in most of the cases and they lack self esteem as well.

Although the conditions has no such distinct recognition, but is definitely one of the most common eating disorders that people have been experiencing these days. Most people suffering from binge eating disorders are likely to be obese and their body weight would be over 20% of a normal body weight. Also the condition is more common in women than in men, effecting almost 2 women out of 3. The condition affects the blacks more than the whites, which is strange but true. However, its frequency in different ethnic groups has not been identified as yet. People who are obese and have binge eating disorder are likely to have been overweight at their younger age. They might as well suffer from weight fluctuations caused due to yo-yo dieting.

The Cause

The actual cause of binge eating disorder is still not clear to the researchers. But it has been identified that more than half of the patients suffering from this condition have a reported history of depression. Still, it is difficult to clearly state whether depression is a cause or an effect of the condition. People have reportedly said that there are some common emotions associated with binge eating disorder, such as anger, boredom, sadness, anxiety and stress. Some of the more common emotional habits include impulsive behavior and some psychological problems.

Binge eating disorder is often believed to be caused due to dieting, but the dieting effect on the condition isn’t clear as yet. However, various findings and researches reveal that over half the people suffering from the condition have generally had episodes of binge before they began dieting. But still, rigid dieting can actually worsen the condition in most of the cases.

Being Treated

Studies have revealed that people suffering from binge eating disorder often find it very difficult to maintain their body weight. Binge eaters usually regains their body weight very quickly unlike others. This being the case, the treatment ought to be more focused on the binge eating condition than weight loss.

There are several methods for treating the condition, but it must be a combination of both physical treatments as well as psychological treatment. These two methods put together can only eradicate the complication. Often help would be needed from expert nutritionist and physicians on certain issues.