Binge eating disorder (BED) is a significant health condition where one frequently eats unusually large portions of food. Though we all overeat occasionally, those with BED cannot control the urge to keep eating. Excessive food consumption gets out of hand and becomes a recurrent habit for people with binge eating disorders. They are typically developed by individuals as a coping strategy for a more serious issue or a psychiatric problem, such as anxiety or depression.

Symptoms
People suffering from binge eating disorder generally experience some emotional and behavioral symptoms. Extreme anxiety and discontent about one’s looks and body type are common symptoms of binge eating disorder. Here are some common symptoms often seen in people with binge eating disorder:
Eating more quickly than usual
Eating until one is uncomfortably full
Having a lot of food even when not hungry
Eating alone because of thoughts of embarrassment or disgust with oneself

Causes
There are no known causes of binge eating disorder. However, certain factors may aggravate one’s likelihood of developing the condition. One may be at a higher risk due to genetic defects, some biological variables, following a fad meal plan for a long time, and psychological issues.

Gender
Due to the underlying biological factors, binge eating disorder is more common in women than men.

Genes
A person with a binge eating disorder may be sensitive to dopamine, a chemical in the brain responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. There is evidence that it may be inherited.

Excessive fasting
Many people suffering from binge eating disorder have a long history of forceful fasting or following stringent meal plans, frequently beginning in adolescence. Hunger cues might be triggered by fasting and food restrictions, which frequently make one more susceptible to binge eating. Additionally, the pressure to follow a strict meal plan and maintain a certain calorie intake can result in excruciating tension, anxiety, and shame sentiments that frequently lead to binge eating.

Psychological conditions
There is an established relationship between binge eating disorder and specific personality features like assertiveness, low self-esteem, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A history of melancholy, anxiety, and strong feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness are other risk factors for the condition.

Emotional trauma
A person susceptible to having their sense of self-worth easily determined by outside factors may be more likely to develop a binge eating disorder. This can apply to people who frequently receive unfavorable remarks, are bullied or body shamed, have body image issues, or lack confidence, which is heavily influenced by television or social media images. People often experience feelings of worthlessness because of society’s emphasis on body figures and other unattainable expectations of beauty. This can also be caused due to emotional trauma caused by the death of a dear one, separation from family, or abuse.

Diagnosis
If one frequently experiences episodes of binge eating, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. If diagnosed with the condition, the doctor will discuss the symptoms and eating habits and identify the best treatment option. A minimum of one binge eating event per week for a minimum of three months is considered a binge eating disorder. One to three bouts of binge eating per week indicate mild severity, while 14 or more events per week indicate a serious condition.

Treatment
The eating disorder’s causes, severity, and personal objectives all matter to the treatment strategy. Binge eating patterns, poor body image, mental health problems, or a combination of these may all be the focus of the therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Analysis of the connection of unfavorable thoughts, feelings, and actions with eating and body image is a key component of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for binge eating disorder. Setting objectives, self-monitoring, maintaining regular eating patterns, changing one’s perspective about one’s body image, and promoting healthy eating habits are all examples of specific interventions. Self-help therapy is frequently more affordable, and there are websites and mobile apps that provide support. However, it is best to consult a doctor before implementing any remedy.

Dialectical behavior therapy
In dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), binge eating is an emotional response to troubling situations that a person cannot cope with. This treatment teaches individuals how to control their emotional outbursts to deal with challenging circumstances without binging. Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness are the four main components of DBT treatment.

Prescription treatments
Several prescription treatments have been discovered to treat binge eating, and they are frequently more effective and efficient than conventional methods. However, behavioral therapies are still the most preferred kind of treatment. These treatment options may include anti-anxiety, antidepressants, or remedies to monitor appetite and compulsion. Additionally, treatment-related side effects such as anxiety, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disruptions may occur. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe certain ADHD treatment options as well.