Obesity and Eating Disorders - Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Flashcards
Q: What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and how does it differ from Bulimia Nervosa?
A: BED involves episodes of excessive food consumption similar to bulimia but without the use of compensatory weight-loss methods like purging, laxatives, or extreme dieting.
Q: Why do BED clients often seek medical help?
A: Most BED clients seek help for obesity-related concerns rather than binge eating itself, unlike individuals with Bulimia Nervosa.
Q: What percentage of mildly obese people in weight loss programs are thought to have BED?
A: It is estimated that 10–15% of mildly obese individuals in weight loss programs have BED.
Q: What are the clinical presentations of BED?
A:
Episodes of rapid and excessive food consumption, not driven by hunger.
Eating until uncomfortably full.
Feelings of loss of control and psychological distress.
Often associated with overweight or obesity and comorbid physical and psychological health issues.
Q: What are the proposed diagnostic criteria for BED?
A:
Recurrent binge eating episodes with:
Loss of control during the episode.
Episodes associated with at least three of the following:
Eating more rapidly than normal.
Eating until uncomfortably full.
Eating large amounts when not hungry.
Eating alone due to embarrassment.
Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward.
Distress regarding binge eating.
Occurs at least two days per week for six months.
Q: What psychological and neurological factors can precipitate a binge?
A:
Food deprivation or dieting patterns.
Stress and its responses.
Dysregulation in reward pathways, involving endogenous opioids and dopamine.
Acute tryptophan depletion and serotonin disturbances.
Q: How can BED clients be supported in treatment?
A:
Provide extra support to address binge eating in conjunction with mental health professionals.
Refer clients to programs like Overeaters Anonymous (OA).
Address both weight management and psychological health together.
