Parents may first suspect a problem when they discover large amounts of food are missing from the pantry or the refrigerator, though it's hard to imagine one child could have eaten so much.
Other signs of a problem include:
- a child eating a lot of food quickly
- a pattern of eating in response to emotional stress, such as family conflict, peer rejection, or poor academic performance
- a child feeling ashamed or disgusted by the amount he or she eats
- finding food containers hidden in a child's room
- an increasingly irregular eating pattern, such as skipping meals, eating lots of junk food, and eating at unusual times (like late at night)
People who binge eat may also experience feelings that are common to many eating disorders, such as anxiety, guilt, or shame. They may avoid school, work, or socializing with friends because they're ashamed of their binge eating problem.
What Causes It?
The cause of binge eating disorder is unknown, although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that up to half of all people who have it also have a history of depression. It remains unclear, however, whether binge eating brings on depression or whether people with depression are prone to the disorder.
Many people who binge eat say that episodes can be triggered by feelings of anger, sadness, boredom, or anxiety. Scientists are also examining how brain function and body metabolism (the way the body uses energy) may affect binge eating.
How It Differs From Other Eating Disorders
It's important to distinguish binge eating disorder from other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
People with bulimia nervosa (sometimes called binge-purge syndrome) binge on food and then vomit or use laxatives to avoid gaining weight. They may also fast (stop eating for a while) or stress. Family therapy includes the whole family in the process of helping the individual. Cognitive-behavioral therapy combines the approach of helping people change self-defeating thoughts along with changing their behavior. Counseling also helps patients look at relationships they have with others and helps them work on areas that cause them anxiety. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressant medication to be used in conjunction with therapy.
However, there's no quick fix for any eating disorder. Treatment can take several months or longer while the person learns how to have a healthier approach to food. Although weight-control programs are helpful for some people affected by binge eating disorder, children and teens should not begin a diet or weight-control program without the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Risks and Complications
Because many people with binge eating disorder are overweight, the most common health risks are the same ones that accompany obesity, including:
- diabetes
- cholesterol levels
- gallbladder disease
- heart disease
- some kinds of cancer
- depression and anxiety
Helping Your Child
If you suspect your child has a problem with binge eating, call your doctor or health care provider for advice and referrals to qualified mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in kids.
Reassure your child that you're there to help or just to listen. Having an eating disorder can be difficult to admit, and your child may not be ready to acknowledge having a problem. You can also encourage healthier eating habits by modeling your own positive relationship with exercise and by not using food as a reward.
With the help of your family and a doctor, your child can begin the trip back to eating healthy again.
Reviewed by: Sandra G. Hassink, MD