Common Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating is characterized by excessive eating followed by feelings of guilt. If you struggle with this behavior, it is important to know that you are not alone, and there are many others struggling with a similar condition. However, your case is unique, so it must be handled uniquely. No one case of binge eating is the same. The first step to healing is finding the cause of your binge eating. It will be explained what the likely contributing factors to your binge eating may be.
Why am I a Binge Eater?
Most conditions are caused by both biological and psychological factors, and binge eating is no exception. First, the biological factors will be discussed. Research has found that one of the areas of the brain controlling hunger is misfiring in those with binge eating disorder. It is possible that this area of the brain is not allowing you to feel full. Studies have also shown that serotonin deficiency may play a role in causing excessive eating. For this reason, your psychiatrist may prescribe you an anti-depressant for your binge eating, as anti-depressants will increase your levels of serotonin. It should be no surprise that those with binge eating disorder often suffer from depression, as one of the causes for depression is a deficiency of serotonin.
Another possible biological cause of your binge eating is due to your genes. If you have a family member who was a binge eater, you are at an increased risk of binge eating. Although the research is recent and not yet conclusive, studies have also shown that mutations in proteins that regulate blood sugar and metabolism are possible causes of binge eating.
The psychological factors that may be contributing to your binge eating disorder will now be discussed. As was stated above, if you suffer from depression, you are at an increased risk of suffering from binge eating disorder partly due to your deficiency of serotonin. There are other contributing factors as well. If you suffer from binge eating disorder, it is likely that you struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and/or loneliness. As a result, you may be binge eating in order to comfort yourself from these overwhelming feelings. Another factor may be the environment you were raised in. Studies have shown that those who were raised in families that tend to overeat are at an increased risk of binge eating. Finally, sexual abuse and other traumas has shown to put one at a significantly increased risk of binge eating.
Conclusion
Binge eating, as other disorders, is a result of both biological and psychological factors. Some biological factors have shown to be a deficiency in serotonin, a history of binge eating in your family, and mutations in proteins regulating blood sugar and metabolism. As for psychological factors, there are an abundance of possible causes including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, past environment, and past trauma. These are all common causes of binge eating disorder. You should know that you are not alone in fight against binge eating, and there are many outlets in which you can seek help. It is recommended to seek professional help in order to uncover the underlying causes of your binge eating. Also, you may receive therapy that will allow you to make peace with your past experiences. Life is too short to waste; it is time to be happy. You are worth the fight.
