A comfort.  A shelter. A release. All found in bags of junk food hidden away to only be eaten in complete secrecy.

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by uncontrollable overeating caused by stress or anxiety. People living with this disorder often eat continuously for an average time of around two hours, or frequently throughout the day, eating even when they are not hungry or after they become full. After binging, individuals feel ashamed, distressed and want to stop but they feel like they cannot. Binge eating differs from bulimia in that those with a binge eating disorder do not try to “make up” for their binging by purging.

The causes of binge eating disorder include psychological, cultural and biological reasoning. Depression and binge eating typically go hand in hand which can be triggered by low self-esteem, loneliness and body dissatisfaction. According to HelpGuide, social pressure from the media can “add to the shame that binge eaters feel and fuel to their emotional eating.”  

Biological defects can cause binge eating as well. The part of the brain that controls appetite, the hypothalamus, may send incorrect messages about hunger and be unable to register fullness.

Professionals say binge eating is very difficult to overcome because food is essential to live and patients are unable to avoid their addiction. However, there are many ways to fight the addiction. Managing stress through exercise, meditation and breathing exercises are effective ways to clear the mind and prevent the urge to binge. Other tips include eating three healthy meals per day, avoiding temptation, stop dieting, fighting boredom, getting enough sleep, keeping a food diary and getting support.

The journey to solving the problem becomes easier when friends and family are present and active in helping the person affected. Therapy and support groups are always available to anyone suffering from an addiction, and doctors can provide medication to manage stress and provide help in overcoming the addiction to binge.

Experts say people who know others with binge eating disorder should encourage them to seek help from a professional. Lectures, insults and guilt trips should be avoided as they could worsen the disorder. Setting a good example and continuously supporting them is one of the easiest things to do in this situation. The friend might push away or become aggravated when offered help, but staying positive and continuing to encourage the friend will have tremendous long-term effects.