 Binge eating can be defined as a serious eating disorder when you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food.  Many people often overeat during holidays, but for some overeating crosses the line so that it becomes a regular behavior.

 40% of binge eating disorders occur in males.  However, the number of reported cases on males might be significantly underreported because men may be hesitant to seek help.  Men may think that eating disorders only occur in females, or fail to recognize the problem as an eating disorder

 Eating unusually large amounts of food  Eating even when you’re full or not hungry  Frequently eating alone  Experiencing depression and anxiety  Frequently dieting, sometimes without weight loss  Losing and gaining weight repeatedly

 Goals of treatment are to reduce eating binges, improve your emotional well- being, and lose weight when necessary.  Because binge eating is associated with a mental state treatments address psychological issues first.  Forms of treatment include psychotherapy, medications, behavioral weight loss programs, self-help therapies

 The causes of binge eating are unknown, however family history is a biological factor.  Research has also focused on abnormalities in the structure or activity of the hypothalamus, a brain structure responsible for regulating eating behaviors.  Studies suggest that the hypothalamus of bulimics may not trigger a normal satiation (feeling full or finished) response. So, even after a meal, these individuals do not feel full.

 Because binge eating is often triggered by self- esteem or depression, it is important to consider psychological factors when treating this disorder.

 Media and society influence the perception of men and women regarding the ideal body image.

 w.youtube.com/watch?v=jphOUvVt7KA& sa=U&ei=H 0wBUcWpAZOm8gTPuoCIBg&ved=0CBQ QFjAA&usg=AFQjCNE1f69BQPwZBZt_O- EXW_0C4XbSSg

 “Health Psychology Home Page.” Psychology Department. N.P. n. D. Web. 24 Jan  Staff, Mayo. Clinic. “Definition.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 03 Apr Web. 24 Jan. 2013