Binge eating is an eating disorder characterized by eating more than a person needs d to satisfy hunger. It is a feature of bulimia, a disorder that also includes abnormal perception of body image, constant craving for food and binge eating, followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative use.
Alternative Names
Eating - binge
Considerations
Bulimia is most common among adolescents or young adults, usually female. People with bulimia typically consume large quantities of easily ingested high-calorie foods, usually in secrecy. Binge eating is usually followed by self-induced vomiting and accompanied by feelings of guilt or depression.
Complications resulting from prolonged bulimia include gastric dilatation, pancreatitis, dental decay, pharyngitis, esophagitis, pulmonary (lung) aspiration, and electrolyte abnormalities. Constipation and hemorrhoids are also common in bulimics.
Although death from bulimia is rare, the long-term outcome in severe bulimia can be worse than the outcome in anorexia nervosa, which suggests that the psychiatric disorder that causes bulimia is usually more severe.
Common Causes
Bulimia (while this disorder often begins during or after strict dieting, and may be caused by stress related to insufficient food intake, its cause remains unknown.)
Home Care
Take measures to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Medication is usually not necessary for this disorder. However, antidepressants, as prescribed by the doctor, are often helpful. Supportive care and counseling are recommended. Individual, group, family, and behavioral therapy may provide some help.
Call your health care provider if
bulimia is suspected
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Anorexia nervosa (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person refuses to stay at even the minimum body weight considered normal for their age and height. Persons with this disorder may have an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Inadequate eating or excessive exercising results in severe weight loss. See also: Bulimia; Intentional weight loss. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Date: 05/21/2007
Bulimia (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Bulimia is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods - such as vomiting or laxative abuse - to prevent weight gain. Many, but not all, people with bulimia may also suffer from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder involving severe, chronic weight loss that proceeds to starvation. Reviewer: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/31/2006
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