Mental Health Conditions of Binge Eating Disorder

He Ming Wu

doi:10.36648/ipctn.9.6.82

Mental Health Conditions of Binge Eating Disorder

He Ming Wu

Department of Food Science, Stanford University, California, USA

Published Date: 2024-12-26
DOI10.36648/ipctn.9.6.82

He Ming Wu^*

¹Department of Food Science, Stanford University, California, USA

*Corresponding Author:: He Ming Wu,
Department of Food Science, Stanford University, California, USA
E-mail: wu.ming@gmail.com

Received date: November 26, 2024, Manuscript No. IPCTN-24-20155; Editor assigned date: November 28, 2024, PreQC No. IPCTN-24-20155 (PQ); Reviewed date: December 12, 2024, QC No. IPCTN-24-20155; Revised date: December 19, 2024, Manuscript No. IPCTN-24-20155 (R); Published date: December 26, 2024, DOI: 10.36648/ipctn.9.6.82

Citation: Wu HM (2024) Mental Health Conditions of Binge Eating Disorder. J Nutraceuticals Food Sci Vol.9 No.6: 82

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Description

Binge eating is an example of disordered eating that involves episodes of uncontrolled, excessive food consumption. It is o ten seen in individuals with eating disorders such as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa. During these episodes, individuals consume an unusually large amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of losing control. It is also linked to obesity and being overweight.

Signs of binge eating disorder

One of the most noticeable signs of binge eating disorder is the rapid consumption of large quantities of food within a brief time frame. They might also adopt extreme eating patterns that they haven’t followed before, such as restrictive diets that eliminate certain food groups, like no-dairy or no-carb diets. Binge eating often begins before someone attempts to follow a diet and can lead to secretive eating behaviors, like hiding food or eating in private areas. Another warning sign is an intense preoccupation with one’s weight and appearance [1-4]. Some individuals may also engage in other harmful behaviors such as self-harm, substance abuse, shoplifting or excessive alcohol consumption. The onset of binge eating disorder before trying to lose weight is o ten linked to an increased risk of mental health issues and earlier onset. People with binge eating disorder may experience co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Although there is no single cause of binge eating disorder, factors like chronic dieting, mental health struggles and an obsession with body image have been connected to the development of the disorder. Various factors increase an individual’s risk of developing binge eating disorder [5-8]. Family history plays a role, as individuals with relatives who have struggled with eating disorders are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Mental health issues, including poor self-esteem and negative body image, are common triggers for the disorder. Weight stigma has also been found to contribute to the onset of binge eating, highlighting the importance of promoting inclusive approaches to eating disorders that do not exacerbate these feelings [9].

Impact of binge eating disorder

The physical risks associated with the disorder include obesity, heart disease and other chronic health issues linked to overeating. Emotional consequences often include depression, anxiety and feelings of low self-worth [10]. Research has shown that individuals with obesity who also struggle with binge eating tend to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and elevated levels of depression and anxiety compared to those without binge eating disorder. Furthermore, binge eating disorder is closely related to two categories of risk factors: Those that increase the likelihood of obesity and those that increase the risk of mental health issues. During episodes of binge eating, individuals o ten feel emotionally numb and unable to stop eating. Many individuals with the disorder try to conceal their behavior, feeling embarrassed about their weight or ashamed of their compulsive eating. Those with binge eating disorder typically engage in frequent dieting, join weight loss programs and may have a family history of obesity [11,12].

Conclusion

Binge eating disorder is a serious and complex condition that affects individuals physically, emotionally and socially. While it is linked to factors like dieting, mental health struggles and body image issues, it is important to remember that it is not solely caused by one element. Treatment should be comprehensive, addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the disorder. Support from healthcare professionals, family and friends is vital in helping individuals regain control over their eating behaviors and work towards a healthier relationship with food.