Binge Eating Disorder Facts: An OverviewBinge Eating Disorder is a mental disorder that is so common these days. This is also possible that a huge percentage of people who are even only slightly overweight may be prone to this disorder. Binge Eating Disorder facts are presented here as a part of this discussion to initiate awareness about the gravity of this peculiar problem. Nearly 1 to 5 percent of the entire population of the U.S. suffer from Binge Eating Disorder. This information is in accordance with the data issued by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). As indicated by the name, the sufferers of this disorder experience repeated binge eating episodes. It can be safely assumed that it is one of the most prevalent eating disorders nowadays.
Binge eating refers to a person with an appetite that is so excessive that it is no longer considered healthy. It implies enjoying a lavish meal in an unhealthy way. Real binge eating means loss of control over food intake. It also comprises unusually huge amounts of food at times when the person doesn't even experience hunger. The person may not even be want to eat but feels forced to do so. Binge eating has other characteristics. These include eating fast, eating alone, trying to hide such episodes of binge eating, and sometimes feelings of shame and guilt after such an episode. Most people having BED are obese or are overweight. But this condition can also occur in people who weigh normal. Children and teenagers might also develop BET. Normally, African Americans as well as White Americans are equally affected, in about equal proportions. Its incidence is slightly more in females than in males. Statistically,3 women out of every 2 men are affected by this disorder. Unlike another eating disorder called bulimia, in BED, the binge eating episodes do not give rise to purging attempts. This may come in the form of fasting, self-induced vomiting, highly vigorous exercise, or a diuretic and laxative abuse. The exact causes of binge eating disorder is not known yet. But psychological factors are assumed to have something to do with its onset. This would comprise dysfunctional relationships, feelings of helplessness, or low self-esteem. Almost half of the people suffering from BED have gone through depression during some time. That is what mainly causes them to eat in an excessive way. Patients of binge eating disorder usually say that the episodes of binge eating are often caused by changes in mood, anger, stress, worry, sadness, and boredom. Binge eating disorder has become a risk to health. This is because sufferers of binge eating disorder are always at risk of gaining weight. Gaining weight and becoming obese would bring on a host of related health problems. Some health complications that may arise out of BED are anxiety, complications in pregnancy, ovarian abnormalities, menstrual irregularities, skin and respiratory problems, stroke, arthritis, gallbladder and kidney diseases, high cholesterol and blood pressure. Other diseases include diabetes and many other medical as well as psychological problems. These are some binge eating disorder facts that may provide some useful insights into the potential harms that can be caused by eating disorders. |