Health Encyclopedia

Binge eating

Definition

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

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. A history of the eating patterns may be sought from one or more family members because the affected person may not acknowledge that they are binge eating.

Medical history questions documenting binge eating in detail may include:

How long has this been occurring?
Are "purge" behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse) also present?
What other symptoms are also present?

Possible diagnostic tests include blood studies, such as electrolyte levels.

INTERVENTION

Behavior is usually controlled with counseling, biofeedback training (a process of monitoring body functions and altering these functions through relaxation), and individual or group psychotherapy.

Review Date:5/12/2006
Reviewed By:Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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