Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
A number of interrelated physiological, psychological and behavioural factors are thought to cause binge eating disorder.
Some suggested causes of binge eating disorder include:
Physiological Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
It is possible that some people have a genetic predisposition to developing binge eating disorder, as the condition has been found to run in families.
Researchers are also investigating the role of chemical imbalances in the brain (possibly hereditary) and irregular functioning of metabolic rate as possible causes.
Psychological Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
A history of depression is found in up to half of sufferers with binge eating disorder. The disorder is also sometimes found alongside other psychiatric illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A difficulty dealing with emotional states such as stress, boredom, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem and general unhappiness are thought to trigger the use of food as a coping mechanism.
Behavioural Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
It is thought that dieting behaviours may sometimes contribute to binge eating disorder, as some people have binge eating episodes after restricting their food intake for a period of time.
Binge eating disorder has sometimes been found to be associated with a history of substance or alcohol abuse.