Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Its prevalence and effect

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It affects three times the number of those diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa combined.

Eating disorders are more widespread in our society than many realize. Not only are they fairly common, they can also be fatal.

Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental disorders, only surpassed by opioid overdose according to a meta-review conducted in 2014.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) also reports that at least 9% of the US population, or nearly 30 million Americans, will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime.

What is BED?

There is specific diagnostic criteria, including:

1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating; Eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than what usually would be consumed in a similar time frame

2. Lack of control while eating throughout the episode

3. Eating much more rapidly than normal

4. Eating until feeling uncomfortably or extremely full

5. Eating very large amounts, when not physically hungry

6. Eating while alone, due to embarrassment by how much is being consumed

7. Emotions of distress, disgust, depression or guilt

8. Binging episodes occur at least once weekly for 3 months on average

It is also important to note that binge eating is not associated with the frequent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as purging.

Why Does BED Occur?

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), BED most commonly arises in individuals in their late teens or early twenties. Although affected individuals have also been both younger and older.

BED is not exclusive to women, either. Statistics indicate that nearly 40% of those afflicted are male.

The best-known environmental contributor to this eating disorder is the sociocultural veneration of being thin. Cultural weight stigma and bullying experiences are both believed to contribute to the development of BED.

Another NEDA finding, which correlates with this deduction, is that girls who diet frequently are twelve times as likely to binge as girls who do not diet.

Those who struggle with BED tend to be of normal or higher than normal weight. Up to two thirds of individuals with BED are labeled clinically obese. Understandably, there are health complications that can arise from this. The health risks of BED might include type 2 diabetes mellitus, lipid abnormalities (such as increased cholesterol), increased blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, etc.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

There are warning signs and symptoms to be aware of if you fear a loved one is suffering from BED:

• This individual might appear uncomfortable eating around others, or might be afraid to eat in public
• He or she might steal or hoard food in strange places or create lifestyle schedules to make time for binge eating sessions
• There may be notable fluctuations in weight, or he or she may show extreme concern with their body weight
• Withdrawing from friends or usual activities may also be a sign

Treatment

Achieving healthy eating habits and creating a healthful relationship with food are the goals for BED treatment.

As this disorder can be so intertwined with poor self-image or negative emotions, psychotherapy might be utilized. Such therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy or dialectical behavior therapy. There are also some medications that may help, including antidepressants.

Practicing mindful eating and working with a registered dietitian can be effective in restoring your relationship with food.

Eating disorders of all kinds profoundly impact emotional and physical wellbeing. They can start young, and become severe. Their effect on quality of life and mental health cannot be minimized. Treatment is available, and recovery is real.

Alpha provides diet and nutrition counseling online. Once you complete an online consultation, one of our registered dietitians will help you come up with a nutrition plan that suits your needs. Please note that dietitians cannot prescribe medication for weight loss.

To learn more about the conditions we treat or get started with your online consultation, check out our website and sign up today!