Causes of Binge eating

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There is no one cause for binge eating, but like most eating disorders, it is generally seen as a way of coping with feelings of unhappiness, depression and low self-esteem. Media and societal pressure to achieve a slim body shape may fuel the guilty feelings people experience in relation to food. Attempts to lose weight that are motivated by a negative body image and sense of inadequacy, frequently lead to reactive over-eating when the desired body shape cannot be achieved. Obesity, whether real or perceived, and pressure from others to lose weight can cause the tendency to binge eat to develop.

Certain personality types, such as givers, helpers, worriers and pleasers may be susceptible to binge eating. Jobs that require weight control, or place people in a food environment, may also trigger binge eating.

Stress is another common trigger of eating disorders. Moving house, job, or school, or the death of a friend or relative, are events that are often linked to eating problems.

Eating disorders are a physical display of the difficulties a person may be experiencing in their personal life. Binge eaters often feel ashamed at the volume of food they consume, and may feel that their lack of control around food mirrors the lack of control they have over their personal lives.