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Risk Factors for Binge-Eating Disorder
Who is at risk for developing binge-eating disorder? This condition can develop in both children and adults, but it is most common among those in their 40s and 50s (although it’s increasingly being diagnosed in younger people). Because binge-eating disorder is still in the process of being defined, research hasn’t uncovered all of the factors that may predispose someone to develop this condition. But most experts agree that there are some probable risk factors:
- Dieting-Preoccupation and dissatisfaction with body shape, and frequent dieting in an effort to look like very thin images in the media (actors, models) has been found to be a predictor of binge eating, especially in women.
- Weight cycling- Research has suggested that weight cycling (losing and then regaining weight over and over again) is related to the development of binge-eating disorder.
- Interpersonal sensitivity-Those with binge-eating disorders tend to be more sensitive to other people’s remarks. In fact, recent research suggests that boys with binge-eating disorder often relate negative comments made about their weight by their fathers as the trigger for starting to binge.
- Depression and low self esteem-Psychosocial issues such as depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and difficulty coping with impulses and feelings are common among those with binge-eating disorder.
- Sexual abuse-Those who have been sexually abused as children may develop eating disorders as a way to cope with emotions.
- Pregnancy- Recent research indicates that being pregnant, especially if from a lower socio-economic class, may precipitate the onset of a binge-eating disorder.
