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Feature Articles: Eating
Disorders Binge Eating DisorderBy Greta Hopke, RD and Candance Gabel, MS,
RD, LD,
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Binge eating disorder is not the same as the occasional
overeating; it is the loss of control during eating large
amounts of food in a short amount of time. Unlike bulimia
nervosa, binge eating is not followed by a purging method or
other way to attempt and control weight.
The characteristics of
binge eating disorder include the following:
- Feel out of control when eating
- Eat unusually large amounts of food
- Eat very fast
- Eat until they feel uncomfortable
- Eat a lot, even when they are not hungry
- Feel embarrassed about the amount of food they eat, so they eat alone
- Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty about overeating
In most cases, individuals with binge eating disorder are
overweight or obese, although there are some individuals of
normal weight. Binge eating disorder, which may also be known as
compulsive overeating, is not a clinically diagnosed condition
recognized by the American Psychiatric Association; however, it
is a fairly common disorder. It is estimated that almost 2% of
Americans (about 4 million people) have this disorder.
There are possible psychological and physical consequences linked with binge eating disorder. The individual may lack vitamin and minerals due to eating a lot of high sugar and high fat foods instead of more healthful foods. Individuals with binge eating disorder are often obese, which increases the risk of other diseases. Persons with binge eating disorder are often depressed and isolate themselves from others. Although this disorder may seem very different as compared to anorexia and bulimia nervosa, it is still a serious condition that requires time, effort, and most often professional help to overcome.
For more information on eating disorders, click on these topics:
Here are a few websites that may provide more information
about eating disorders:
References:
1. Williams, M. (2005). Nutrition for health, fitness, &
sport. 7th Ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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