binge eating disorder
What Is Binge Eating?
If you ever ate so much at Thanksgiving that you felt uncomfortable, you know what it feels like to overeat. It's not unusual to overeat from time to time. Most people do.
But binge eating is different from eating too much during the holidays. People with a binge eating problem regularly eat much more food than most people. They often eat quickly, eat when they are stressed or upset (instead of just when they're hungry), and feel like they can't stop eating, even when they're uncomfortably full. They also binge at least once a week for several months.
As a result, they might feel guilty, ashamed, or bad about themselves after a binge. Many people who binge eat are overweight. But those at a healthy weight can also have a binge eating disorder. Binge eating is different from bulimia, another eating disorder. People with bulimia binge eat, but try to make up for overeating by throwing up, using laxatives, or over-exercising to lose weight.
Binge eating is often a mixed-up way of dealing with or avoiding difficult emotions. Usually, people who binge eat aren't aware of what's driving them to overeat. They usually are unhappy about their weight, may have large weight swings, and often feel depressed.Why Do Some People Binge Eat?
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Experts don't know the exact cause of binge eating disorder. It's likely a combination of things, including genetics, family eating habits, emotions, and eating behavior, like skipping meals. Some people use food as a way to soothe themselves or to cope with difficult feelings.
People with binge eating disorder are more likely to have other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADHD.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
Someone who's binge eating might: