This entry was posted in Research on Jul 14 2016 by Eating Disorder Hope Staff. Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope
Description: Binge eating disorder is influenced by several biological factors many that influence appetite regulation. Learn more about what research shows.
For an individual dealing with binge eating disorder, there are many problematic issues at hand that should be addressed. Perhaps one of the greatest struggles is in facing the stigmas that surround this challenging mental illness. Many people wrongly assume that binge eating disorder has more to do with lack of self-control or generalize this illness as laziness or poor self-esteem.
The truth of the matter is that binge eating disorder is a psychiatric illness that is influenced by a variety of factors, many which are not in a person’s control or choosing. This includes biological factors that may involve genetics, hormonal influences, and neurobiology, all which can contribute to an overwhelmingly strong drive to engage in behaviors related to binge eating disorder. Research has also demonstrated that the presence and combination of other factors also contribute to the development and maintenance of binge eating disorder, including environmental conditioning, stress, restricting overall caloric intake, and the presence of palatable foods [1].
Binge eating disorder is characterized by the excessive consumption of food within a short time period, often marked by a loss of control. What factors might drive a person to eating large amounts of food, even when not feeling physically hungry? Research has also helped identify other possible predictors of binge eating disorder, such as neurochemical imbalances, which may help explain greater food intake. The hormone Ghrelin, which is produced mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a significant role in energy homeostasis, food intake, and appetite regulation. Ghrelin has been the focus of much eating disorder research, as it is one of the key gut signals that contribute to appetite [2]. In relation to binge eating disorder, research has uncovered that higher levels of ghrelin may be associated with increased food intake, decreased fuel utilization, and consequent weight gain in an individual with binge eating
