WHAT IS BINGE OR COMPULSIVE EATING DISORDER?

Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder is a relatively newly recognized eating disorder is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating of large amounts of food. Researchers are just beginning to understand the causes and health consequences of Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder.

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SYMPTOMS

Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder has several primary symptoms:

Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time often secretly,     without regard to feelings of "hunger" or "fullness"

Frequent feelings of being "out of control" during binges

Eating large quantities of food rapidly, without really tasting the food

Eating alone

Feelings of shame, disgust, or guilt after a binge

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HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder often results in some of the health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder include:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol levels

Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels

Secondary diabetes

Gallbladder disease

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For more information about Binge or Compulsive Eating Disorder, visit the National Eating Disorders Association web site.

References:

Fairburn, C. (1998). A Clinical Perspective: Why All the Fuss? Published on the web site of the National Eating Disorders Organization. http://www.laureate.com/fuss.html

NIH (1993). Binge Eating Disorder. National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. November 1993. Publication # 94-3589.

Source: Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention, Inc. 603 Stewart St., Suite 803, Seattle, WA 98101. 1-800-931-2237.