Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder may be accompanied by various symptoms that involve a person’s eating behavior. People with binge eating typically show a lack of control over their eating habits. These habits often lead to consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short period, such as two hours. Some common behaviors associated with BED include:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal
• Continuing to eat even when feeling uncomfortably full
• Consuming large amounts of food when not hungry
• Eating alone and avoiding social events that involve food

Apart from the eating patterns, BED can cause emotional and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can greatly affect a person’s mental health and overall well-being. The following are some of the possible emotional and cognitive symptoms of BED:

• Experiencing a sense of guilt or shame after binge eating
• Having intense mood swings
• Being unable to control eating behaviors
• Experiencing low self-esteem

In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, BED can lead to various health risks and complications. Those with BED may experience weight gain, obesity, and other related problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In addition, BED can interfere with daily functioning and relationships, which may put a strain on everyday life.

Binge eating disorder is a complex condition with multiple factors that may increase the risk of developing it. These may include genetic, social, and environmental factors.

Genetic factors seem to play a role in the development of BED, as certain genes have been associated with an increased risk of this eating disorder. For example, the CYFIP2 gene has been found to be linked to an increased risk of BED. Genetic predisposition alone may not be enough to cause BED; instead, genetics may interact with other factors to elevate risk.

Psychological factors may also play a role in causing BED. People with BED often have low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with their body shape or weight, and a history of depression or anxiety. These emotions may lead individuals to use food as a coping mechanism, leading to episodes of binge eating.

Environmental and social factors can also contribute to the development of BED, such as:

• Cultural and societal pressures to conform to certain body types
• A history of trauma, abuse, or bullying
• Long-term dieting
• The presence of other mental health conditions

The cause of BED is not limited to just one factor. Instead, the disorder may be complex, with various factors playing a role in its development. 

One of the main goals of BED treatment is to create regular, nourishing eating habits. Common treatments tend to manage the emotional aspects of eating disorders, such as shame and poor body self-image, along with the behaviors themselves. 

Medication

Certain medications may be used alongside therapy to help manage BED symptoms:

• Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse): Originally marketed as an ADHD medication, Vyvanse has been approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. 
• Antidepressants: Some people with BED may benefit from antidepressant medication. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that antidepressants can be more effective than placebo in treating this eating disorder.

Medications are often an add-on treatment to therapy and should only be used with guidance from a healthcare provider.

Other treatment options

In some cases, additional treatment options can supplement therapy and medications:

• Diet and nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian may help establish positive eating patterns and offer suggestions for managing emotional eating.
• Support groups: Connecting with others who face similar challenges can provide encouragement, understanding, and practical coping strategies.

Self-care

Various self-care practices may help individuals maintain a more productive relationship with food:

• Develop regular eating habits: Creating a routine for eating meals and snacks may help prevent hunger-driven binge episodes.
• Practice mindfulness: Meditation and mindful eating may help individuals become more aware of their body's hunger and fullness signals.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity may help boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
• Seek social support: Discussing experiences with friends, family, or a support group may help alleviate isolation associated with binge eating disorder.

Recognizing the symptoms of BED and getting a proper diagnosis can be key to getting treatment early. The right treatment can benefit individuals experiencing binge eating and may prevent physical and mental health complications. 

There are various resources available that provide support, guidance, and treatment options for individuals living with BED. One effective approach can be therapy, which may help in understanding and managing the thoughts and behaviors associated with this disorder. For those who are considering therapy, a platform like BetterHelp can connect them to licensed online therapists who can offer assistance.

In addition to therapy, numerous mental health organizations and support groups focus on BED and other eating disorders. For example, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) offers patient advocacy, education, and community support. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders also provides resources dedicated to outreach, education, advocacy, and early intervention.

Another organization that may be helpful is Eating Disorder Hope, which provides information on anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, helping individuals find counseling, treatment, and recovery support. Also, Eating Disorders Anonymous offers a more community-driven approach, welcoming anyone with a desire to recover from an eating disorder, with a focus on providing emotional support.

These are just a few of the resources that can help in understanding and managing BED. Those who are experiencing BED or have a loved one with the disorder are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of support and guidance available to them.

Recent studies have explored various treatment methods for BED, gaining insights into their efficacy. One recent review examined various treatments in both adults and younger individuals. It found that psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral approaches, proved most effective in adults, while similar therapies adapted for youth also showed promise but require further evidence. Despite some treatments being effective, there are still gaps in understanding who benefits most and why.

Another study focused on the effectiveness of a web-based, self-guided version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for treating binge eating disorder. The study found that participants using guided self-help CBT-E experienced a significant reduction in binge eating episodes compared to those who received delayed treatment. At the end of the study, 40% of participants in the CBT-E group had fully recovered from their disorder. 

A randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of adding executive function (EF) training to standard CBT in treating BED. Some people with BED may experience difficulty with planning and decision-making skills, which may affect their recovery. Participants who had low EF and received EF-CBT were less likely to experience loss of control than participants who had low EF and received normal CBT. By including this type of brain training in treatment, mental health professionals may help their patients see better results.

These studies show promising results for different treatments of BED, especially those based on cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, more research is needed to confirm these results and understand why some treatments work better for certain people. 

Here are some key statistics on BED:

• In a study of 10,197 adolescents aged 10-14 in the U.S., 1.0% were found to have BED, and 6.3% showed binge eating behaviors. Factors like identifying as gay or bisexual and having a household income below $75,000 were linked to higher rates of these conditions.
• One study found that, among adolescents, gay and bisexual boys had 12.5 times higher odds of binge eating, and sexual minority girls were more than twice as likely to engage in purging and binge eating than their heterosexual peers at age 16.
• In a study of 682 adults with BED, men showed a higher body mass index (BMI) on average compared to women; however, women showed more severe eating disorder psychopathology and depression. The latter finding persisted even after researchers adjusted for differences in race/ethnicity and BMI.
• BED is estimated to affect 1.5% of women and 0.3% of men worldwide, with higher prevalence in adolescents.