BINGE EATING DISORDER

Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by the consumption of large quantities of food in a short period of time often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. It is sometimes a symptom of Compulsive Overeating Disorder. A diagnosis of such disorder is associated with feelings of loss of control; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards. Binge Eating Disorder is a severe, life threatening and treatable eating disorder. Common aspects of this disorder are functional impairment, suicide risk and a high frequency of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

BED typically begins in late adolescence or early childhood, often after a major diet. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and up to 1.6% of adolescence.

The DSM-5, released in May 2013, lists BED as diagnosable eating disorder. It had previously been listed as a subcategory of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) in the DMS-4, released in 1994.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BED

In addition to the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder, individual associated with such disorder may display some of the behavioral, emotional, physical characteristics below.

BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS

·        Secretive food behaviors, including eating secretly (e.g., eating alone or hiding wrappers) and stealing, hiding, hoarding food.

·        Disruption in normal eating behaviors, including eating throughout the day with no planned mealtimes; skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals; engaging in fasting or dieting.

·        Having uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling uncomfortably full, but does not purge.

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

·        Experience feelings of anger, anxiety, or shame of proceeding binge.

·        Co-occurring conditions such as depression may be present; those who are associated with BED may also experience social isolation, moodiness, and irritability.

·        Avoiding conflict; trying to “keep the peace”.

·        Feeling disgust about one’s body size as they have been teased about their body while growing up.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

·        Changes in the body weight from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

·        Weight gain may or may not associate with the BED. There is a correlation between weight gain and BED, not everyone who is overweight has BED.

HEALTH HAZARDS OF BED Health risks of BED are most commonly those associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of BED include:

·        High blood pressure

·        High cholesterol

·        Heart disease

·        Type II diabetes

·        Gall bladder disease

·        Fatigue

·        Joint pain

·        Sleep apnea

BED TREATMENT

There are various effective treatments available for binge eating disorder, including specific forms of:

·        Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

·        Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

·        Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

·        Pharmacotherapy

Decisions regarding treatments should be made after consulting with a trained medical professionals and eating disorder specialist.

SUBMITTED BY:

SAKSHI VERMA

B.TECH (FOOD TECHNOLOGY)

7^TH SEM, 4^TH YEAR