What is Binge Eating?

Binge eating is one of the most common eating disorders. Learn what binge eating is, what the symptoms are, and te medical complications associated with it.

Binge eating is one of the most common eating disorders. It involves the consumption of very large amounts of food in a short period of time. About 3% of all adults in the United States struggle with Binge eating. People at any age can develop this particular order, but it is seen in most adults ranging from age 46 to around age 55. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge-eating disorder occurs almost as often in men as in women. Experts generally agree that most people with serious binge eating problems often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel their eating is out of control.

Symptoms of Binge Eating

  • Eat much more quickly than usual during binge episodes
  • Eat until they are uncomfortably full.
  • Eat large amounts of food even when they are not really hungry.
  • Eat alone because they are embarrassed about the amount of food they eat.
  • Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating.
  • Feeling out of control over eating behavior.

Medical Problems Associated With Binge Eating

Binge eating disorder can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Other effects of binge eating disorder include fatigue, joint pain, Type II diabetes, gallbladder disease, and heart disease.People with binge eating disorder also suffer from stress, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts.