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The Binge Eating Disorder-Obesity Relationship

Of all the eating disorders, binge eating is the one most commonly associated with obesity. Also known as compulsive eating, the disorder is characterized by a need to eat frequently or repeatedly. This need is uncontrollable.

Diets: A Vicious Cycle
Western culture's ideal body image is both unrealistic and unhealthy: few people can be that thin and not suffer health problems. Yet the pressure to conform to that ideal is overwhelming, especially for women - traditionally, the "ideal" body for women has been much less realistic than it has for men. Younger women are particularly at risk, especially if they feel compelled to diet when it isn't necessary. Often their preoccupation with being thin and dieting is unhealthy.

Dieting can be the catalyst for many eating disorders, and binge eating is no exception. The process works something like this: first you diet. You make yourself needlessly hungry as you do so. When the hunger becomes too much, you binge. You lose self-esteem because you didn't stick to your diet. You start your diet again and the whole process begins anew.

Emotions
Fifty percent of people suffering from compulsive eating also suffer from depression. One part of our brain regulates our emotional state; another part determines appetite and recognizing when we've eaten enough. However, these two separate brain functions use the same neurotransmitters and brain chemicals. When we are anxious, depressed or under stress, our perceived need for food rises. We eat.

Identifying Binge Eating
Over thirty percent of people seeking medical help for obesity display symptoms of a compulsive eating disorder. The criteria for identifying the disorder are quite straightforward. First, certain conditions must be present. The person eats large amounts of food, and often does so in secret. Or, the person may snack and eat frequently throughout the day. In either case, the amount consumed will be higher than normal and healthy during that period of time. In addition, the person feels unable to control these activities.

These conditions will be accompanied by at least three of the following factors:

• rapid eating
• feelings of guilt and shame related to food consumption
• a history of repeated failed diets
• feelings of depression
• eating whether hungry or not
• discomfort caused by the amount of food eaten.

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