Signs and symptoms of binge eating

• Periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food

• Eats an unusually large amount of food at one time, binge eating may last for few hours or even entire day

• Eats much more quickly during binge episodes when compared to normal eating episodes

• Eats until physically uncomfortable (bloated stomach) and feels like they're on the verge of throwing up.

• Eats when depressed, stressed, bored and sad

• Eats large amounts of food even not hungry and stomach is full

• Eats alone and rapidly during binge eating episodes, in order to avoid discovery of the disorder

• Hiding the empty food container

• Feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty or even upset after binge eating

 Risk factors

• Most people with binge-eating disorder are either overweight or obese, but people of normal weight can also have the disorder.

• Binge-eating disorder is twice as common among women as among men.

• Dieting is often a risk factor for both anorexia and bulimia.

• Psychological issues- behavioral and emotional problems are common with binge-eaters.

• Sexual abuse- some people with binge eating disorder say they were sexually abused as children.

 Causes

 Psychological causes

• Psychological and emotional factors play a important role in binge-eating disorder. Half of the people with this disorder have been depressed in the past.

• Triggering factors like happiness, anger, sadness, and boredom precipitates binge eating.

 Biological causes:

• The role of brain chemicals and metabolism that regulate appetite centers, along with gastrointestinal changes that might shed light on causes.

 Tests and diagnosis

  Laboratory test:

• Complete blood examination

• Lipid profile

• Thyroid function test

• Serum electrolytes

• Random blood sugar

 Psychological evaluation

 Other studies: Sleep apnea, gall bladder disease, and heart disease.

Complications

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Substance or alcohol abuse

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Type II diabetes

• Gall bladder disease

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Osteoarthritis

• Joint and muscle pain

• Sleep apnea

• Gastro intestinal problems

 Treatment and drugs

 Psychotherapy

 Medical treatment:

• Antidepressant: SSRI’s and tricyclic antidepressants

• Anticonvulsants: Topiramate

• Anti obesity drugs: Sibutramine

 Behavioral weight loss programs