One of the binge eating facts that many people do not know is that binge eating is a completely separate eating disorder from bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, although many of the causes of binge eating are the same as the aforementioned eating disorders. While bulimia and anorexia symptoms will eventually come to light, it takes a bit longer to recognize a binge eating disorder.
As the name suggests, binge eating is uncontrollable, excessive eating. A binge session is followed by feeling ashamed and guilty. The real difference between a binge eating disorder and bulimia is that someone who is a binge eater usually does not purge food after eating. However, many bulimics also have binge eating disorder.
Another of the important binge eating facts is that the percentage of young women who admit to having been affected by binge eating symptoms is about 1 in 5. These statistics come from the National Institute of Mental Health. Unlike other eating disorders, 40 percent of men report falling victim to the symptoms of binge eating disorder.
Causes of Binge Eating
There are many causes attributed to the binge eating disorder but none are considered to be a single cause. It is believed that it takes several factors to make someone vulnerable to binge eating. These causes include a person’s genetic makeup, emotions, and life experiences.
Research and tests support binge eating facts surrounding biological abnormalities that cause someone to become binge eaters. One of the causes of binge eating has been linked to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the appetite. It has been discovered that, for some reason, the hypothalamus is sending false impulses regarding hunger and satisfaction. It has also been found that there is a genetic mutation that seems to cause addiction to food. Low levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain, have also been linked to compulsive eating.
Binge eating has also been strongly linked to depression. Statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that half of all binge eaters are depressed or they have been in the past. More binge eating facts point to loneliness, low self-esteem, and being unhappy with body image as being a reason for binge eating. People who suffer from this disorder might also have trouble with managing and/or showing their emotions
Social and cultural causes of binge eating cannot be overlooked. There is a great deal of pressure in society to be thin. If someone feels “fat” and unattractive, it may be a reason for emotional binge eating. Parents can play a huge role in whether or not their children become binge eaters. Being overly critical, particularly regarding the body, can lead to future victims of eating disorders. Food is used for comfort, reward, and to just give the children something to do while the parents are doing other things. Eventually this can contribute to the causes of binge eating. Something else that has been linked to binge eating is childhood sexual abuse.
More Binge Eating Facts
There are other facts that need to be known about binge eating. This is a disorder that leads to many physical, emotional, and social issues. Binge eating sufferers have more health problems, insomnia, stress, and even more suicidal thoughts than people who do not have an eating disorder. Other common effects are anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. While binge eating also gets in the way of careers and relationships, the most prominent effect is gaining too much weight. This makes a lot of sense as the person who binge eats can take in 20,000 calories during a binge, while most normal people only eat 1,500 – 2,500 calories a day. If they are not also suffering from bulimia nervosa, they will not be purging this food. Therefore it will lead to excessive weight gain.
Becoming educated about binge eating is the best way to combat it as well as help someone you care about fight this disorder. Do your homework and learn the facts. If you suspect you or someone else has a binge eating disorder speak with a doctor immediately. With proper treatment this disorder can be overcome.
You can follow this link for more information on the symptoms of binge eating.