Binge-eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder involves the frequent and rapid consumption of large amounts of food. Unlike with bulimia, the person does not vomit or use laxatives to prevent weight gain.
A person who binge eats is usually overweight, but because the disorder is kept secret, may appear to eat a normal diet around family or friends. In fact, because the person usually is very good at hiding the eating disorder, binge eating is often unnoticed even within the person's home. Binge eating is a serious illness that must almost always be treated professionally.
Signs & symptoms of binge eating
The ability to keep eating behaviors hidden is a key symptom of the condition, so it can be difficult to notice. Signs to watch for include:
- Eating excessive amounts of food within a short period of time
- The purchase or storage of large amounts of typically high-calorie foods
- Continuous weight gain that does not seem to be reflected in the person's diet
- The discovery of food hidden away in a person's room, office, or car
Professional help for binge eating
Binge eating can be treated and healthy eating practices can be restored. The sooner it is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.
The elements of a sound treatment program are very similar to those recommended for bulimia:
- Intensive nutritional counseling to develop a regular pattern of meals
- Encouragement of healthy exercise
- Psychological treatment for the person's body image, self-esteem and personal conflicts
- When appropriate, medications may be part of the recovery and treatment program.
What you can do
If someone you know seems to be suffering from binge-eating disorder, encourage getting in touch with a doctor or a mental health professional right away. You can also help by becoming more knowledgeable about eating disorders and their effects. Read more:
Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
