Binge eating is a relatively new area of research.
Like all eating disorders, binge eating appears to have
multiple causes.
Some people seem to be genetically
predisposed to become binge eaters. Researchers think
this may be related to abnormalities in neurotransmitters
in the brain that help to regulate appetite.
Research
continues actively in this area.
For many binge eaters, stress is the factor that
triggers a binge. Stress can be caused by very restrictive
dieting, but it is often caused by social and cultural
factors, such as family conflict, job-related stress, dysfunctional
relationships, and the repeated message
from the media that a thin body is a sign of success,
while being obese results in failure to find a mate or
succeed in life.
Symptoms of binge eating may be difficult to
detect. Binge eating is different from continuously
snacking, and it is often done in private. Obesity and
obesity-related diseases such as hypertension (high
blood pressure)
Type II diabetes, and joint pain are
signs that binge-eating disorder could be present, but
not all obese people are binge-eaters.
Behaviors such
as secretive eating, constant dieting without losing
weight, obsessive concern about weight, depression,
anxiety, and substance abuse are all clues, but none
of these signs are definitive.
The individual may complain
about symptoms related to obesity, such as
fatigue and shortness of breath, or mention unsuccessful
dieting, but again, these signs are not definitive.
