Binge Eating Disorder

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Introduction

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, binge eating is defined as uncontrolled compulsive eating, especially as a symptom of bulimia or binge eating disorder(BED). Individuals, who suffer from a (BED), usually, consume, abnormally large amounts of food, quickly. The condition causes sufferers to eat until they are painfully full. we live in a society that accepts encourages overindulging . Therefore, there are probably several occasions on which we eat more than we should. In order for a person to be diagnosed with a (BED), they would have to experience episodes of ("Binge Eating"). that “occur, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months Wonderlich et al. (2003). Binge eating is an old problem, whose frequency is on the rise thanks to our culture's obsession with being thin, which is in direct conflict to our love of high-fat junk food.

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What Causes Binge Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is probably the most common illness faced by those struggling with eating disorders. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2% of all adults (Web MD, 2011). The exact causes of this illness are still unknown. According to the website web MD following factors that may affect the development of a binge eating:

Depression: As many as half of all people with binge eating disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past. Dieting: Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food. Lack of Coping skills: Studies suggest that people with binge eating may have trouble handling some of their emotions. Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat. Biology: Researchers are lookin...

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...r Online Dictionary. 2011. http://www.merriam-webster.com (22 April 2011).

Bulik, C. M., & Reichborn-kjennerud, T. (2003). Medical morbidity in binge eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34S39-S46. doi:10.1002/eat.10204

Cooke, A. A., Guss, J. L., Kissileff, H. R., Devlin, M. J., & Walsh, B. (1997). Patterns of food selection during binges in women with binges eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 22(2), 187-193. Retrieved from EBSCOhost

Wonderlich, S. A., Zwaan, M., Mitchell, J. E., Peterson, C., & Crow, S. (2003). Psychological and dietary treatments of binge eating disorder: Conceptual implications. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34S58-S73. doi:10.1002/eat.10206

Mental Health and Binge Eating Disorder." WebMD. N.p. n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://women.webmd.com/guide/mental-health-binge-eating-disorder

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