Poor Physical, Mental Health Are Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder. More people experience BED than anorexia and bulimia combined. The condition is characterized by consuming a large amount of food in a short period, outside of what's considered culturally normal.

People typically experience binge eating disorder in their late teens or early 20s, but it's a disorder that can occur anytime to anyone. It affects more women than men.

The effects of BED are far-reaching. Social, psychological, sexual and physical aspects of a person's life can be affected, making them all consequences of binge eating disorder. Everyone should be aware of BED's risks and get help if you or someone you know is experiencing it.

Heart health and binge eating disorder

Heart health is a vital aspect of overall health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, and binge eating disorder can increase your risks.

"The most common heart health complications of those with BED are an increased risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as diabetes, which also impacts heart health," said Jenn Baswick, R.D., a registered dietitian and intuitive eating coach with an online practice called The Intuitive Nutritionist.

In addition, people who repeatedly ingest large amounts of food at one time can increase their risk of developing a metabolic syndrome, according to Nicole Garber, M.D., the chief medical officer for Alsana, a holistic eating disorder treatment provider and community with locations across the United States and online. That's especially true if it runs in your family.

A metabolic syndrome can include high blood pressure, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high triglyceride levels and impaired fasting glucose. If untreated, it can lead to cardiovascular disease.

It's not necessarily the type of food someone binges on that increases their risk; rather, it is the volume, which is the defining characteristic of binge eating.

"People binge on a wide array of foods, including fruits and vegetables, protein bars, desserts, and snacks," Garber said.

Hormones, pregnancy and binge eating disorder

Eating disorders can affect hormone levels, fertility and pregnancy in multiple ways.

"It's common for women with an eating disorder, including binge eating disorder, to have irregular or skipped periods, which can impair fertility," Garber said.

People with BED are also at a higher risk for pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, especially if their weight is above the optimal range.

Anyone trying to become pregnant who has been diagnosed with a binge eating disorder should enter a treatment program and get on a path to recovery, according to Garber.

"It will help you to become stronger and more prepared for pregnancy," she said.

If you are recovering from a binge eating disorder and are pregnant (or trying to get pregnant), inform your doctor of your history.

"Women in recovery from an eating disorder can often struggle with transitions, even exciting ones. Sometimes, they can revert to old patterns to manage stress," Garber said. "Plus, pregnancy is a time of great bodily changes. It may bring out old thoughts and trigger a desire to engage in eating disorder behaviors to try and manage these changes."

Knowing your history will help your doctor work with you as your body changes.

Plus, some women can develop binge eating disorder or relapse during pregnancy. If you relapse, know that it is OK.

"Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey," Garber said. "Your doctor and other mental health professionals can help."

Also, hormones might play a role in why some people develop BED. Some research suggests gonadal hormones—estradiol, progesterone, testosterone—can impact eating behavior when they are dysregulated.

This may explain a few things:

• Why, in part, females are affected more often than males
• Why BED seems to affect those going through hormonal upheaval during puberty
• Why it can begin during pregnancy

Likewise, some preliminary research suggests low testosterone may affect male eating patterns that lead to dysregulated eating with a preference for sweet foods, though more research is needed.

Mental health issues and binge eating disorder

Mental health issues can contribute to and result from BED. Many different psychological disorders have been linked to BED. According to Baswick and Garber, these include the following:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• OCD
• Alcohol or illicit drug use
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

These mental health issues and mood disorders can occur at the same time as binge eating disorder. For example, those with borderline personality disorder have a difficult time regulating their emotions, and disordered eating, such as binge eating disorder, is a way that these individuals can cope with or escape them, according to Garber.

And BED can, in turn, exacerbate issues.

"Sometimes, a mental health condition can worsen from the shame, guilt and other negative feelings common in those who experience BED," Baswick said.

Binge eating disorder, ED and sexual health

Some of the best-known struggles of people with BED include poor body image, body dissatisfaction and body-related anxiety.

"All of these aspects are linked to sexual distress or dysfunction," Baswick said.

Some common ways BED impacts sexual health include low libido, difficulty getting aroused, vaginismus or difficulties with orgasm.

"The associations between eating disorders and sexual health are more commonly studied in women," Baswick said. "However, they could similarly impact men who experience BED."

For some men, a binge eating disorder can lead to an increase in adipose tissue, which can cause low levels of testosterone, according to Garber. This can lead to low libido and erectile dysfunction.

"A significant part of binge eating is psychological distress around the behaviors, which can lead to difficulties with intimacy," Garber said.

Body image concerns can also lead to intimacy challenges.

Complications and related conditions

Aside from the complications and related conditions already discussed, there are a few others to be aware of, according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Increased risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic kidney problems or kidney failure
• Extreme body dissatisfaction/distorted body image
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Feelings of shame, guilt and self-loathing
• Depressive or anxious symptoms and behaviors
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder. You can also contact the helpline of the National Eating Disorders Association for support, resources, and treatment options for you or a loved one by calling or texting 800-931-2237.