Question 1

How common is binge eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. The prevalence of binge eating disorder among U.S. adults is 1.2%. It is twice as high in females as in males.

The average age of onset for BED is 21-years-old, which is slightly older than other similar conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa which commonly occur at around 18.

While the disorder often starts at a young age, the age group most affected is the 45-59 age bracket, followed by 18-29 year olds.

BED is seen more frequently in people with symptoms of depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common treatment for BED, since it provides people with coping mechanisms important for overcoming deep-seated and wrong beliefs about body image and food.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 2

How is binge eating disorder different from bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple similarities between binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa. However, the most notable difference is people diagnosed with BED do not force themselves to throw up (purge) the food they eat.

For bulimia nervosa, the individual tends to eat but immediately forces themselves to empty the contents of their stomachs.

People with bulimia nervosa also indulge in harmful compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain.

For instance, they may exercise for many hours a day and abuse stimulants to increase energy and metabolism. This is due to having a distorted image of their bodies. Although underweight, they may think of themselves as overweight and fat, which contribute to their poor eating habits.

Another notable difference between the two disorders is, for binge eating disorder, the individual may show signs of obesity, cardiac issues, arthritis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

People with bulimia nervosa tend to exhibit signs of malnutrition and a compromised immune system due to repetitive vomiting.

Other health problems include muscle weakness, heart arrhythmia, acid reflux, constipation, fainting, dry skin, wounds that are slow to heal, thinning of hair, brittle nails, and tooth decay.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 3

How is binge eating disorder treated?

Accepted Answer

To treat binge eating disorder (BED), your doctor may recommend a psychological evaluation to discuss your eating habits. They may also carry further tests to check for health consequences of binge eating, such as heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.

A common treatment for BED is psychotherapy, which, among other things, focuses on adopting good eating habits.

Some types of therapy used to treat BED include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you deal with issues that lead to binge eating, such as depression and negative perception of your body. It also gives you control of your behavior, which is essential in regulating poor eating habits.
Interpersonal psychotherapy. Concerned with helping improve your relationships with other people. It helps to reduce binge eating resulting from problematic relationships and unhealthy communication skills.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Focuses on instilling behavioral skills that help you deal with stress, control your emotions, and improve personal relationships, which can reduce the urge to binge eat.

Several types of medications have been proven to treat moderate to severe binge eating, the most common being topiramate (Topomax) and antidepressants.

Another form of treatment is behavioral weight loss programs, which are done under the supervision of a doctor. They are particularly helpful when combined with CBT.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 4

What causes binge eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

The causes of binge eating disorder (BED) are still largely unknown. It is partly genetic, as most eating disorders tend to run in families.

What is known is that many who suffer from binge eating disorder also suffer from other mental illnesses such as:

Anxiety
PTSD
Bipolar
Depression
Substance abuse

A study found that BED was commonly accompanied by:

Anger
Sadness
Loneliness
Disappointment
Self-harm
Substance abuse

Overall, BED is most likely the result of environmental and personal struggles that people face. Most people with BED are dealing with deep-seated mental illnesses, broken relationships, and other insecurities.

Behavioral disorders and binge eating disorder (BED) are common issues that impact many people. In fact, binge eating disorder is the most common type of eating disorder.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

How common is binge eating disorder?

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