Although eating disorders are often thought of as a problem for people who are dramatically underweight and emaciated, there is an eating disorder that targets overweight and obese individuals: binge eating disorder. Binge eating is a true eating disorder, even though the sufferer is not underweight. In this disorder, the eating is control by the mind, rather than by the gastric system. Binge eating is controlled by emotions and feelings, not the stomach. Binge eaters eat when they feel anxious, sad, angry, or happy, as opposed to when they feel hungry.
Sufferers of the binge eating disorder can not discern when they truly need food. Society tends to victimize sufferers of bulimia and anorexia, because they are fragile and sick, but sufferers of binge eating disorder are mentally fragile and sick. Once diagnosed, binge eating should be taken as a serious eating disorder, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. As with all eating disorders, binge eating can have a fatal effect.
Just like bulemics, binge eaters may feel a complete loss of control when eating that causes them to overeat. Many binge eaters complain of not tasting while eating, simply minimally chewing and swallowing. In this disorder, there is no real enjoyment or appreciation for the taste of the food that is consumed. After the bingeing episode occurs the sufferer feels guilty, helpless and depressed. The urge to continue eating is completely uncontrollable and feels unstoppable.
Binge eating disorder is more common than anorexia or bulimia. In fact, two percent of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder. It is interesting ot note that binge eating disorder affects about the same number of males as females.
Symptoms to watch out for in sufferers of binge eating disorder include:
• An overwhelming feeling of disgust
• Uncontrollable eating
• Secret eating
• No compensatory behavior after binge eating