What Are the Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent, compulsive bouts of consuming abnormally large quantities of food in a short period of time. This behavior often results in feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, or depression and is highly distressing for the individual engaging in the behavior. Binge eating is often motivated by a variety of psychological stressors and can result in various adverse health consequences if the disorder is left untreated.
by: Megan Madsen
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a complex, life-threatening mental illness that requires treatment from a specialized eating disorder treatment team. There are many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding binge eating disorder that prevent individuals from seeking treatment. Weight stigma is a problematic issue in the eating disorder community and is especially prevalent concerning BED. Many people wrongfully associate being “overweight” with binge eating disorder, while others associate “underweight” individuals with eating disorders. This leaves a large margin of error for those who may be suffering from binge eating disorder to feel as though they may not be “sick enough” for treatment. Mental illnesses affect individuals at any weight or size. If left untreated, binge eating disorder can cause serious, life-threatening physical and psychological consequences. However, with proper, timely intervention, most symptoms can be reversed.
Physical Effects
Binge eating disorder produces significant stress on the body and can cause severe physical harm to the body systems. As with other eating disorders, BED can lead to weight gain, weight loss, or no weight change. Each body is unique and will respond differently to disordered eating behaviors. While some of the following physical health consequences are often associated with being overweight, individuals of any size can be affected by these same symptoms. Health conditions are not weight-dependent.
Gastrointestinal Effects: Individuals who engage in regular bingeing episodes generally experience a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Following a binge, individuals may experience intense abdominal discomfort or feel sick to the stomach. It is also common to experience bloating, nausea, acid reflux, cramping, heartburn, and diarrhea or constipation. Binge eating overloads the body with a flood of micro- and macro-nutrients that need to be digested. This results in the expenditure of a large amount of energy, which can cause lethargy and fatigue.
Circulatory and Cardiovascular Effects: Among the most vital systems in the body, binge eating disorder can cause serious problems for the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. BED can increase the likelihood of acquiring high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes; all of which put you at a significantly higher risk for developing heart disease. Some individuals with binge eating disorder may also encounter some problems with poor sleep quality, insomnia, and feeling tired throughout the day.
Reproductive System Effects: Binge eating disorder can influence a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a child. Due to the severe physical and psychological stress that BED places on the body, hormones associated with menses and fertility are frequently disrupted. These hormonal fluctuations can cause issues with reproductive capacity and problems during pregnancy.
Psychological Effects
Along with the physical effects of binge eating disorder, it can also cause serious psychological consequences.
Social isolation: Social isolation occurs not only throughout the duration of a binge, but may also transpire as a result of feeling shameful or guilty for engaging in disordered behaviors. BED is a particularly secretive disorder in which one’s thoughts and behaviors are often hidden from close friends or loved ones. Individuals with this disorder typically eat alone and avoid situations where food is involved.
Low confidence and self-esteem: Many individuals with binge eating disorder struggle with low self-confidence and self-esteem as a result of poor body image. Periods of especially low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction may trigger binge-eating episodes. Engaging in disordered behaviors can provide a sense of control and escape from insecurities, stress, and guilt.
Development of co-occurring mental health disorders: As with other eating disorders, binge eating disorder often manifests itself in conjunction with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. BED usually serves as a coping mechanism for these underlying disorders.
This post was written by BALANCE Marketing Assistant, Megan Madsen.
Megan is currently working toward receiving her B.S. in Psychology. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant with a passion for eating disorder research and education. Megan has worked as a CNA on several units in a hospital setting and as a Psych Tech at an eating disorder treatment center. It was there that she discovered her passion for helping those afflicted with eating disorders and where her desire for educating patients and the community on eating disorders and mental illnesses began. In the future, she hopes to work as a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on eating disorder treatment.