We all overeat on occasion. But, if you frequently turn to eating while feeling out of control and unable to stop, you may have a binge eating problem. With a binge eating disorder, a person eats excessive food regularly, feeling powerless to stop, and may get extraordinarily distressed during or after eating. They may also blame themselves for a lack of self-control or be concerned about the impact of obsessive eating on their body.

What exactly is a binge eating disorder? What are the indications and symptoms?
People with a binge eating disorder may consume a considerable amount of food rapidly even when they are not hungry. In addition, emotional tension or relaxation may trigger a binge eating episode. A person may feel relieved or released during a binge, but they may feel humiliated or lose control afterward.

Even though most people with binge eating disorders are above a regulated BMI, they can be of average weight. The following behaviors and emotions are signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder:

Consuming a disproportionately large amount of food in a short period, such as two hours.
One believes they have no control over their eating habits.
Despite being full or not being hungry, eating quickly during binging, eating till sated but not satisfied.
They often dine alone or in private. One feels bad about their eating habits, disgusted, humiliated, guilty, or disturbed.

Unlike in bulimia, binge eaters do not usually compensate for excess calories taken after a binge by vomiting, using laxatives, or participating in intense activity. Instead, they keep trying to eat regular meals, but the restrictions lead to more anxiety, followed by a binge, resulting in a vicious cycle. The severity of binge-eating disorder is determined by the frequency of binge occurrences each week.

What causes binge eating disorder?
Although the specific causes of binge eating disorders are unknown, there are a variety of risk factors, including the following.

Genetics
Dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter implicated in reward and pleasure experiences, may be more responsive in patients with binge eating disorder. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence that the disorder is inherited.
Gender
Women are more prone than men to suffer from binge eating disorders, and the condition is typically seen in 3.6% of American women as compared to 2.0% of American men.
Changes in the brain
There are indications that people with binge eating disorder may have structural alterations in their brains that affect how receptive they are to food and how well they can regulate themselves.
Body mass index
Body mass affects around half of those with binge eating disorder, and 25-50% of those undergoing loss in body mass surgery also have binge eating disorder. Body mass concerns can both cause and contribute to the disease.
Perception of one’s own body
Many binge eating disorder patients have a negative impression of their bodies. Eating, overeating, and body dissatisfaction all affect the condition’s onset.
Psychological issues
Stressful life events such as abuse, death, being apart from family, and traffic accidents are all risk factors.

Treatment of binge eating disorder
Binge eating is strongly tied to shame, a negative self-image, and other unpleasant emotions; thus, treatment approaches may also address these and other mental health disorders, such as depression. In addition, seeking treatment for binge eating can help individuals learn how to feel more in control of their food.

Psychotherapy
Individual or group psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help individuals learn how to replace poor behaviors with healthy ones and reduce binging episodes. Examples of psychotherapy include:
Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT may assist in dealing more successfully with issues such as negative body image or despair, which can lead to binge-eating episodes. It may also improve one’s sense of control over activities and help them control eating habits.
Counseling on interpersonal relationships
The primary focus of this type of treatment is on one’s interpersonal relationships. People with such conditions often become isolated from their family, friends, and coworkers, and counseling can help them reconnect and build a strong support system based on healthy communication.
Prescriptions
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prescription for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was the first remedy approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe binge-eating disorder in adults. However, note that dry mouth and insomnia are common side effects of it, and more serious adverse effects are possible.

In conclusion
Binge eating disorder is an everyday eating and feeding disorder that, if left untreated, can harm one’s health. It is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable binge-eating episodes that are typically accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame.

It may harm one’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall health. Fortunately, there are numerous highly effective treatments for binge eating disorders, such as CBT and IPT. Another modern trend is incorporating healthy living practices into daily life. However, to overcome binge eating disorder, you must first seek professional help.