Binge Eating Disorder
Although binge-eating disorder is not as well known as anorexia or bulimia, it still affects millions of people around the world and research suggests it affects about 2% of all adults. Binge-eating disorder is characterised by eating large amounts of food and being unable to control the habit. Unlike bulimia, individuals suffering from this disorder do not vomit or use laxatives to relieve themselves, and are therefore very likely to gain weight. Many sufferers eat secretly and then feel guilty and shameful about what they are doing, and often don’t seek help for this reason.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
- Eating in secret
- Eating even though full
- Eating frequently in large quantities
- Eating when sad, lonely or bored
- Feeling out of control of the situation
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Feelings of regret, guilt and shame
- Depression
- Obsessed with food and body
Long Term Effects of Binge Eating Disorder
- Heart problems
- Liver and kidney problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gall bladder disease
- Certain types of cancer