According to a new report in the journal Eating Disorders, a binge eating diagnosis is dependent upon the following factors:

• Episodes of binge eating must occur on a regular basis
• The binges mush involve large amounts of food, such as the consumption of 10,000 to 20,000 calories at one sitting
• People with the disorder feel that they have no control over their eating habits
• The eating binges should be "shrouded in shame and secrecy"
  

Risk factors for binge eating disorder include being between 40 and 60 years old; having other eating disorders; having psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and anger; a history of sexual abuse; and certain genetic attributes.

Symptoms include weight gain, cravings for sugar, headaches, sensitivity to temperature, low self-esteem, and despair about being caught up in a cycle of overeating followed by shame and guilt.

The article's authors suggest that treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy, self-help support groups, weight control, eating low-sugar foods, and avoiding sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.

Labels: binge eating, symptoms, risk factors

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

A few years ago, experts at the International Conference on Eating Disorders in Orlando, Florida, came up with the following criteria that are linked to the development of eating disorders.

Two of the top risk factors are being female and under 20 years old. Over 90% of those who have anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia, and other non-specified eating disorders are girls, but that is slowly changing. In fact, some experts believe the actual percent of boys with eating disorders is closer to 25% of the total. Over 85% of those with eating disorders develop symptoms before age 20 years old.

The following criteria were linked to an increased likelihood of developing an eating disorder:

• Female
• Under 20 years old
• Above average concerns about weight before age 14
• Behavior problems before age 14
• High level stress levels
• Stressful life events, usually one year before onset of illness
• History of dieting
• Mother who diets and is concerned about appearance
• Siblings who diet and are concerned about appearance
• Sibling rivalry
• Sibling rivalry over body style and weight
• Peers who diet and are concerned about appearance
• Negative self-evaluation
• Perfectionism
• No male friends
• Parents are overly controlling
• Shy and/or anxious
• Distressed by parental arguments
• Critical comments from family members about weight, body shape and eating habits
• Teasing about weight, body shape and appearance
   

Labels: risk factors

Posted By: CRC Health 1 Comment