HealthLib.net

Have you noticed that you reach for the box of chocolates every time you have an argument with your boyfriend? Or you just need to stop to have a scoop of your favourite ice cream before visiting your mother-in-law?

There are times when we indulge in food just because we feel like it. It is not always related to hunger. A bite of something sweet or crunchy elevates us. In simple terms this is called binging or compulsive overeating. It satisfies our emotional instability such as sadness, loneliness, nervousness or simply boredom. Sometimes we don’t even realize that we have finished eating a whole cake or even a box of cookies. Later, we may feel guilty but the damage has been already done.

This is more predominant in women than men. Compulsive overeating slowly leads to overweight then obesity, a gradual elevation of cholesterol levels and a heart problem is the final destination. Binge eating is food for the emotions rather than the nutritional needs of the body. The foods selected for binging are all junk food which are highly calorific and have zero nutrition.This eating disorder can be detected and can be cured under medical supervision. The cause is more of an emotional kind than a physical one. Studies have shown that one fourth of people who are obese have binge eating disorder. It is not diagnosed because most people are not aware of it. Many don’t want to admit it and the rest like to remain so because food is their only friend.