Debate over the definition of binge eating

What constitutes an episode of binge eating? This simple question has lead to numerous research studies seeking to better define the criteria for Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. Many researchers have been advocating a looser definition of binge eating, but there is concern that this would substantially increase the number of people who could be diagnosed; and perhaps pathologize otherwise normal behavior. A new study shows this concern isn’t warranted.

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Gay/bisexual men with eating disorder symptoms may benefit from relationships

The prevalence of eating disorders in men, particularly gay/bisexual men, has been getting greater media attention in the last few years. A new research study released online last month compared symptoms of bulimia and anorexia in gay/bisexual men versus straight men. In certain cases, being in a relationship seems to help protect against eating disorder symptoms for gay/bisexual men.

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Teens with eating disorders look at images of women differently

Everyday we encounter advertisements showing provocative photos of women. Magazine ads, tv commercials, and billboards all work by grabbing our attention. How do girls with an eating disorder, who, by definition, are preoccupied with body image, deal with these photos?  New research released online this month tracked the actual eye movements of teens as they viewed various pictures of women – and found differences between teens with and without an eating disorder.

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Is your brain wired to make you crave food when you’re sad?

In the moments before people begin to binge eat, they often feel some kind of negative emotion – from sadness to anxiety to loneliness. Does binge eating make them feel better? Why do some people have an urge to eat when they’re down while others don’t? New research released online this month investigates how the brain reacts to food when people with bulimia are experiencing negative emotion.

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How binge eating affects your marriage/relationship

A myriad of personal factors influence how we function in relationships, from personality to financial habits to cleanliness – and eating issues are no exception. New research to be published next month investigated how binge eating is related to the quality of marriage. Are people who binge eat as happy in their marriage as those who don’t binge eat? The research suggests this isn’t the case.

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The burden of caring for someone with an eating disorder

Eating disorders are often suffered in secret – like late night binging on hidden foods. Such behaviors are difficult to overcome alone and reaching out to others for support can be vital to recovery. However, eating disorders can take a toll on family and friends, too. A new study released online last week examined the degree to which caregivers feel burdened and how their perception of the burden changes over time.

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When teenage dieting leads to adult binge eating (and when it doesn’t)

Binge eating in adulthood is often associated with dieting as a teen. Of course most people who diet do not go on to develop binge eating or other eating disorders. However, for those who do – what sets them apart from the rest? What’s different about people who diet and later develop binge eating compared to others who do not? A new study released online last week identified 2 key factors in the relationship between dieting and binge eating.

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Parental expectations are related to bulimia in African-American women

How do parental expectations influence patterns of bulimia in adulthood? According to a recent study, it depends on two factors: your race and how you perceive your parents’ expectations.

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Does your binge eating affect how you sleep?

Binge eating often feels good for a few minutes – whether it’s the taste of delicious food, the relaxation that comes with eating, or the emotional escape. After a binge the negative consequences start to set it, both emotional (e.g. feeling disappointed in yourself) and physical (e.g. feeling uncomfortably full, long-term weight gain and suffering health). Recent research has shown there’s another important negative factor related to binge eating – worsened sleep.

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Online therapy can reduce symptoms of binge eating and bulimia

As video conferencing technology has improved, an increasing number of people are seeking psychotherapy online. However, the research is just beginning to catch up with the demand, especially in relation to online therapy for eating disorders. Two studies published/released online this month offer support for the use of online cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for reducing binge eating and bulimic symptoms; though it remains unclear how online CBT compares to other treatments.

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