Binge-watching, -gaming ... EATING!

The disorder is expressed in regularly recurring episodes of food cravings. During such binges, a person suffers a complete loss of control over their eating habits and rapidly consumes an excessive quantity of food, far beyond the feeling of satiation. Unlike those with bulimia nervosa or other forms of anorexia, those with binge-eating disorder typically do not compensate their behavior in the form of purging, excessive exercise, or dieting. After an episode, those affected suffer severely from feelings of shame, guilt and disgust. Many people manage to hide their illness from friends and family over a long period of time, leading to social retreat and increasing isolation.

According to an epidemiological study from 2013, which collected data from 14 different countries, the probability of developing BES over the course of a lifetime lies at approximately 1.4%, and is thus higher than bulimia and anorexia. The study also revealed that women are at a higher risk and the disorder usually begins during early adulthood. There are currently no reliable findings as to what causes the disorder, although it's generally assumed that a combination of different factors favor its development. These factors include body image and social beauty ideals, a familial predisposition, repeated weight fluctuations during diets, as well as mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Being overweight during childhood and adolescent ages appears to favor the development of the disorder as well.

Apart from the psychological pain and possible social consequences, many of those affected are overweight or obese. As a result, it increases their risk of developing diseases such as diabetes mellitus, as well as cardiovascular disease. For the longest time, BES was not considered a proper disorder of its own, which is reflected in the current insufficient data situation. At present, less than half of those affected are also diagnosed and adequately treated. And yet, the disorder is as serious as bulimia and anorexia, and should be considered a public health problem.

Therefore, those affected by BES should address the disorder openly in order to be able to recognize and treat it as early as possible, especially in the case of a continuous weight gain or pre-existing obesity. Education and regular weight checks of children and adolescents are important methods for preventing the development of the disorder in the first place.

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