**3. Binge eating**

In most cases, a person suffering from a binge-eating disorder will consume large amounts of food. They will then feel unable to stop eating.

Although most people tend to overeat on occasion, some individuals have a hard time controlling their excessive consumption. This condition can lead to a bingeeating disorder.

Although most people suffering from binge-eating disorder are obese or overweight, they may also be at a normal weight.

### **3.1 Symptom**

Some of the symptoms of this disorder include


After a binge, you don't compensate for the extra calories that you eat by exercising excessively, vomiting, or laxatives. This condition is similar to bulimia and restricting one's diet can lead to more binge eating.

The frequent episode of binging in one week defines the acute disorder.

If you or someone you know has a binge-eating disorder, please seek medical help immediately. Binge-eating problems can last for a long time, or they can be short-lived.

Binge-eating disorder can make it hard for others to detect its symptoms. Individuals with this condition tend to hide their behaviour, which can make it hard for others to identify them. If you think that a loved one may have the disorder, talk to them about it openly.

Support and encouragement can be provided to a loved one struggling with a binge-eating disorder. You can help them find a mental health professional and arrange an appointment.

### **3.2 Causes**

Although it is not known why people with this disorder develop this condition, it is widely believed that various factors such as genetics, psychological issues, and longterm dieting can increase their risk of developing it. Binge-eating disorder can start in the late teens or early 20s.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing a binge eating disorder include:

*Genetics*: Individuals suffering from BED may have developed a heightened sensitivity to a chemical in the brain that's involved in feelings of pleasure and reward. It's also believed that the disorder is inherited [7–9].

A study conducted by Michigan State University revealed that there are genetic factors that can increase a person's risk of developing eating disorders. It looked at 500 female twins and found that environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals and alcohol before puberty were linked to the development of these disorders, but after puberty, the genetic factors were more prevalent [10].

The results of the study revealed that there could be a link between the presence of certain genes and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Further studies have also revealed that these disorders could be caused by a variety of genes [10].

*Gender.* In the US, 3.6% of women experience some form of bed at some point in their lives, which is higher than 2% of men. This is due to the biological factors that affect the development and maintenance of this condition [7, 11].

Compared to African-Americans, females were more prone to experiencing binge eating disorder (BED) and perceived discrimination. The link between perceived discrimination and the development of this condition was also stronger for males. The role of stressful life events and interpersonal issues in the development of this disorder has been known to affect the response of individuals with this condition [12].

*Changes in the brain.* There's a link between having a heightened response to food and having less self-control in people with BED [7].

The effects of aviation on the functioning of the neurotransmitters in the brain and the region of the brain that controls the movement of objects are known to be associated with the reduction in 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in individuals with an anxious temperament [13, 14].

Binge eating disorders and bulimia Nervosa are both characterized by episodes of binge eating. Various personality elements are related to these disorders, and the most common is impulsivity [15].

The negative urgency dimension exhibited by individuals with bulimia Nervosa and binge eating disorders is the strongest indication of their condition. This is because it triggers the activation of certain brain circuits that regulate reward and inhibitory control [16].

*Body size.* About 50% of people with Bedford have obesity, and 25% to 50% of those who seek weight loss surgery meet the disorder's criteria [8, 11, 17, 18].

Studies have shown that prolonged electroencephalographic (EEG) readings are associated with symptoms of eating disorders in individuals with higher BMI. These findings support the idea that neurocognitive reasoning plays a role in the development of effective interventions for individuals with eating disorders [19, 20].

Understanding the various mechanisms by which weight loss and gain occur can be influenced by studies on individuals with different weight disorders and populations. For instance, according to Feigel, athletes with spinal cord injuries are at risk of developing malnutrition and poor nutrition due to their sedentary lifestyle [21].

*Body image.* People with BED are prone to having a negative body image. This condition is caused by various factors such as overeating, dieting, and body dissatisfaction [22–24].

*Binge eating.* Most people with BED have a history of binge eating, which is regarded as the disorder's first symptom. This behaviour occurred during the teenage years and childhood [7].

One of the most common eating disorders that are co-occurring is Binge eating disorder (BED), which is characterized by significant physical and mental comorbidity, life impairment, and psychopathology. There are various treatment options for this condition, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy [25].

*The Physiological Effect of Excessive Indulgence: Its Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109099*

*Emotional trauma.* Events such as the death of a loved one, abuse, or separation from a family member are considered risk factors for people with BED [26–28].

The trauma experienced during the past can be a contributing factor to the development of eating disorders, especially those that are characterized by binge eating and bulimia nervosa. It can also lead to other psychological conditions such as borderline personality disorder [29].

*Other psychological conditions.* Almost 80% of people with BED have at least one psychological disorder. Some of these include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse [17].

Binge eating is a type of psychological condition that occurs when one consumes a large amount of food. It can be triggered by various factors such as stress, dieting, and negative feelings about one's body shape.

### **3.3 Diagnosis**

Although some people may have occasional overeating at Thanksgiving or other events, it does not necessarily mean they have BED. It can start in the teens to early twenties, though it can also occur at any age. People with this condition need support to overcome it, and it can last for a long time [30].

To be diagnosed, a person must have binge-eating episodes for at least three months. The severity of the condition ranges from mild to extreme, with the latter having up to 14 episodes a week.

One of the most important characteristics of binge-eating disorder is not taking action to stop it. Unlike bulimia, people with this condition do not resort to laxatives or exercise to suppress their binges.

Binge-eating disorder is more common in women than men. It is also more common among men than other eating disorders [31].

You should also talk to a mental health professional or medical provider about your symptoms and feelings. If you're not ready to seek treatment, ask someone you trust to talk about what you're going through. Having a friend, a faith leader, or a teacher can help you get the help you need to successfully treat binge-eating disorder.

### **3.4 The health risks**

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is associated with various health conditions. It can also lead to obesity and other related issues. The increase in calories that people consume during these episodes is known to be a contributing factor to this issue [17].

Obese people are more prone to developing various health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. However, it has also been known that those who have a binge-eating disorder are more prone to experiencing these conditions than those who do not have this condition [30, 32, 33].

Among the other conditions that can be associated with binge-eating disorder include sleep problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. In women, it can lead to issues such as pregnancy complications and fertility problems [30, 31, 34].

Studies have shown that individuals with a binge-eating disorder are more prone to experiencing difficulties in social interactions [35].

Individuals with a binge-eating disorder are also more prone to experiencing hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Compared to those without this condition, those with a binge-eating disorder are more likely to have outpatient care and hospitalizations [36].

### **3.5 The treatment options**

The treatment plan for individuals with a binge-eating disorder can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the goals. It can also focus on various aspects of one's body image and mental health.

Various forms of therapy can be used for individuals with a binge-eating disorder, such as medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. These can be done on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting.

Although some individuals require only one type of therapy, others may need to try various combinations to find the right treatment plan. A mental health professional can help individuals determine which type of therapy is right for them.

### *3.5.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy*

One of the most common forms of therapy for individuals with a binge-eating disorder is cognitive behavioural therapy. This type of therapy focuses on the relationship between negative thoughts and feelings about food and body shape [37, 38].

After identifying the triggers that contribute to the development of negative emotions, strategies can then be developed to help individuals change their behaviour [37].

These strategies can help individuals set goals, develop healthy eating habits, and monitor their food intake. They can also encourage them to change their thoughts about weight and body image [38].

One of the most effective treatment methods for individuals with a binge-eating disorder is CBT. According to a study, after 20 sessions, almost 80% of the participants were no longer binge-eating. 59% of them were still able to complete one year [38].

Another type of treatment is self-help CBT, which is typically delivered through a manual. This type of therapy allows participants to work on their own, and it also provides additional support [38].

Self-help therapy is more accessible and cheaper than traditional therapy. It can also be done through apps and websites. It's also proven to be more effective than traditional CBT [39, 40].

### *3.5.2 Interpersonal psychotherapy*

Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the idea that binge eating can help individuals cope with various issues, such as relationship conflicts and grief [38].

This type of therapy aims to identify the specific problem that contributes to the development of negative eating behaviour. It then makes constructive changes to help the affected individual improve their behaviour [37, 41].

This type of therapy can be done in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis with a trained therapist. It's also sometimes combined with CBT. There's strong evidence supporting the positive effects of this type of therapy on reducing the behaviour of binge-eaters [38].

### *3.5.3 Dialectical behaviour therapy*

The goal of a DBT session is to help individuals develop a plan to manage their emotions and cope with negative experiences. This method teaches them how to regulate their responses so they can manage their anger and manage their daily life

### *The Physiological Effect of Excessive Indulgence: Its Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109099*

without overeating. The four key areas of this therapy are interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance [38].

A study conducted on 44 women with binge-eating disorders revealed that after completing therapy, almost 90% of them were able to stop their binge eating. However, after six months, only 56% of them were able to maintain their recovery [42].

There's still a lot of research to be done on the long-term effects of DBT and how it can be compared to other treatment methods such as IPT and CBT.

### *3.5.4 Weight loss therapy*

DBT is a behavioural weight loss therapy that aims to help individuals lose weight and improve their body image. It involves gradually making healthy lifestyle changes and monitoring their food intake. It's also expected that participants lose around a pound per week [38].

Although weight loss therapy can help individuals improve their body image and reduce their risks of developing obesity, it's not as effective as other treatment methods such as IPT and CBT when it comes to stopping binge eating [38, 40, 43, 44].

Although it's not as effective as regular weight loss, behavioural weight loss therapy can still help individuals achieve short-term, moderate weight loss. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who have not been able to successfully use other treatment methods [38, 40].

### *3.5.5 Medications*

Although these drugs are commonly used to treat binge eating disorders, they are not as effective as traditional therapy.

Other drugs that can treat binge eating disorders include antiepileptics and antidepressants. Also, some of these are used for treating hyperactive disorders [37].

According to studies, drugs are more effective than placebos when it comes to treating binge eating disorders. These drugs are 48 percent effective compared to 28.5 percent for the placebo [45].

These drugs can also help individuals with binge eating disorders by reducing their symptoms of depression and their appetite. However, more studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of these drugs [37, 45].

Side effects of these drugs can also include stomach problems, sleep disorders, headaches, and increased blood pressure [31].

Individuals with binge eating disorders might also be able to benefit from additional medications to treat other mental health conditions.

### **3.6 Overcome**

Getting the help of a medical professional is the first step in treating a binge eating disorder. This individual can help determine the severity of the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment. Although CBT is the most common treatment for this disorder, other methods such as combination therapy or individual therapy can also be effective. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and exercise program.

• *Keep a food and mood diary.* Keeping a diary of these individuals to deduce a diet and mood that identifies personal triggers is portrayed as an important step in controlling a dilemma.

