Common Binge Eating Disorder Medical Complications

Binge eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that can lead to an array of medical complications. Characterized by the consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time, binge eating disorder takes a dangerous toll on the body and mind. Medical complications associated with the disorder are common, as the effects of prolonged binge eating cause substantial damage to the normal processes of the body. Without treatment, the medical complications can become life-threatening.

by: Enchi Dai

Eating disorders carry the highest risk of death among all mental health disorders. Out of all the common eating disorders, binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent in the US. We are going to address the common medical complications associated with BED, how & where to get properly evaluated for medical concerns, and treatment options for the disorder. 

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption. However, different from bulimia nervosa, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors, including self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, or fasting. Therefore, binge eating disorder is commonly associated with, or leads to, significant weight gain. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder are:

A.  Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:

  1. Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.

  2. A sense of lack of control over-eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating).

B.  The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

  1. Eating much more rapidly than normal

  2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

  3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

  4. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating

  5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward

C.  Marked distress regarding binge eating is present

D.  The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months

E.  The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior as in bulimia nervosa and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

Common Medical Complications of Binge Eating Disorder 

With a lifetime prevalence of up to 3% and a mortality rate of up to 5%, these statistics emphasize the importance of early treatment intervention and continued research on this complex eating disorder. Although anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are perceived as high-risk illnesses, the risks associated with binge eating disorder are just as serious and can cause permanent damage. While some of the physical health consequences of binge eating disorder are often associated with being “overweight”, individuals of any size can be affected by these same symptoms. Some of the health complications of the disorder include:

  • High blood pressure 

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Type 2 diabetes 

  • Gallbladder disease 

  • Gastrointestinal problems

  • Heart disease 

  • Sleep apnea

Not surprisingly, binge eating disorder also co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. 

Evaluations for Medical Concerns

Now that we’ve discussed the health risks of binge eating disorder, a medical evaluation is necessary to assess the complications and determine whether hospitalization is necessary. Annual health supervision examinations and preparticipation sports physicals are both ideal screening opportunities. Just like for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, a medical evaluation for binge eating disorder usually includes:

  • Medical history

  • Physical examination: weight and height; vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure both supine and standing, and temperature; cardiovascular assessment; and skin examination.

  • Laboratory assessment: serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum glucose, liver function tests, etc. 

  • Excluding medical disorders: neoplasm, chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, etc. 

Treatment Options 

The treatment plan for binge eating disorder depends on the causes and severity of the eating disorder, as well as individual goals. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the prognosis (the expected development of an illness) of binge eating disorder. Specifically, the following list of therapy options may help improve symptoms of binge eating disorder. These options can be carried out on a one-to-one basis, in a group setting, or in a self-help format.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for BED focuses on analyzing the relationships between negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to eating, body shape, and weight. 

  • Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): IPT is based on the idea that binge eating is a coping mechanism for unresolved personal problems such as grief, relationship conflicts, significant life changes, or underlying social problems. 

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT views binge eating as an emotional reaction to negative experiences that the person has no other way of coping with. It teaches people to regulate their emotional responses so that they can cope with negative situations in daily life without binging. 

At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center, we treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. We offer a variety of virtual programs and services to help our clients not only reduce eating disorder symptoms but also move toward a more harmonious relationship with food and their bodies. Click the button below to browse our full selection of virtual programs & services.

Looking for eating disorder treatment programs or services in the New York City area? Learn more about our options at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center here or contact us here.


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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Enchi Dai.

Enchi is a Bachelor's-Master's student at New York University, majoring in Psychology. After her recovery from disordered eating, Enchi became passionate about spreading ED awareness, advocating for intuitive eating, and promoting Health at Every Size. Enchi is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200). Her goal is to help people become healthier both physically and mentally, instead of encouraging them to pursue a certain body image. Along with her internship at BALANCE, Enchi works as a Research Assistant and Crisis Counselor to prepare herself for the future career as a Clinical/Counseling Psychologist.


References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.

Mandl, Elise. “Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/binge-eating-disorder.