The incidence and impact of binge eating disorder (BED)

The most frequent eating problem in the United States is binge eating disorder (BED). It affects three times as many people as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa put together. Eating problems are more common than many people realize in modern society. They are not only common, but they can also be fatal.

According to a meta-review published in 2014, eating disorders have the second highest death rate of all mental diseases, only surpassed by opiate overdose.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), at least 9% of the US population, or almost 30 million people, will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

What exactly is BED?

There are particular diagnostic criteria, which include the following:

1. Binge eating episodes that occur on a regular basis; eating an amount of food that is far greater than what would normally be consumed in a similar time frame.

2. Throughout the show, there was a lack of control when it came to eating.

3. Eating at a considerably faster rate than usual

4. Overeating to the point of discomfort or severe fullness

5. Consuming excessive amounts of food when not physically hungry

6. Eating alone owing to embarrassment over the amount of food consumed

Distress, contempt, despair, or guilt are all examples of negative emotions.

8. Binging episodes occur at least once a week for an average of three months.

It's also worth noting that binge eating isn't linked to the usage of unhealthy compensatory actions like purging on a regular basis.

What Causes BED to Occur?

BED is most common in those in their late teens or early twenties, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Individuals who have been afflicted have been both young and old. Women aren't the only ones that use BED. According to statistics, over 40% of those affected are men.

The social reverence of thinness is the most well-known environmental component to this eating problem. Both cultural weight stigma and bullying events are thought to have a role in the emergence of BED.

Another NEDA study that supports this conclusion is that girls who diet frequently are twelve times more likely than girls who do not diet to binge. Those who suffer with BED are usually of average or above-average weight. Clinical obesity affects up to two-thirds of people with BED. Understandably, this can result in health problems. Type 2 diabetes, lipid abnormalities (such as elevated cholesterol), increased blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, gastrointestinal difficulties, and other health concerns are all possible side effects of BED.

Symptoms and Signs to Look Out For

If you suspect a loved one is suffering from BED, be aware of the following warning signs and symptoms:

This person may act uneasy eating in front of others or be afraid to eat in public.

He or she may steal or hide food in unusual areas, or he or she may establish lifestyle plans to accommodate binge eating periods.

Weight fluctuations may be noticeable, or he or she may express significant concern about their body weight.

Withdrawal from friends or regular hobbies can sometimes be an indication of depression.

Treatment

The goals of BED treatment are to develop healthy eating habits and a healthy relationship with food.

Psychotherapy may be used to treat this disease because it is so closely linked to low self-esteem and unpleasant emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples of such therapies. Some drugs, such as antidepressants, may also be beneficial.