People with eating disorders are often very sensitive to stress. Over fifty percent of people diagnosed with binge eating disorders report previous episodes of depression and low self-esteem: conditions often associated with high stress levels.

Eating favorite foods makes us feel better, so it's no wonder that everyone overeats occasionally when stressed. But when food is used consistently as a stress-reliever, or if food-consumption seems out of control, then an eating disorder may be to blame.

Binge Eating Disorders, Diabetes, and Obesity

Binge eating disorders are the most common eating disorders in the United States, affecting as many as two million Americans. Binge eating disorders are characterized by frequently eating large amounts regardless of hunger, eating quickly, and feeling out of control while eating.

Stress often triggers binge eating. The binge eater obtains comfort from food while eating, only to feel guilty and ashamed for overeating afterwards. The cycle leads to low self-esteem, which makes it harder to cope with future stressors, and more likely for the binge eating to continue.

Without treatment, binge eating disorders can lead to obesity. Obesity places great strain on the body, as well as contributing to low self-esteem and depression. Over time, obesity can result in serious complications, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Binge eating disorders also often lead to vitamin deficiencies, as the foods consumed while binging are usually unhealthy.

Treatment for binge eating disorders may include antidepressants. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to teach healthy eating habits and stress management techniques.

Childhood Eating Disorders and Stress

Childhood obesity is becoming epidemic in North America. Children suffering from obesity are often under stress and have low self-esteem because of their weight. Obesity has been linked to the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children.

Children under stress tend to eat unhealthy food and ignore healthy eating choices. Most children express a preference for fatty foods when under stress, and children under the most stress are likely to consume twice as much fatty food as children with little stress.

Resources

Advocate Health Care. (nd). Anti-stress eating. Retrieved August 25, 2003, from www.advocatehealth.com/system/info/library/articles/recipe/ahcs1127.html.

Levin, A. (2003). Stress leads kids to unhealthy diets. Retrieved August 22, 2003, from www.cfah.org/hbns/news/kidstress08-01-03.cfm.

Stoppler, M. (nd). Binge eating disorder. Retrieved August 22, 2003, from stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa071101a.htm.