Complications of Binge-Eating Disorder
Not all persons who are overweight or obese have binge-eating disorder. But many who suffer from binge-eating disorder become obese. In fact, weight gain tends to reinforce binge eating. As people agonize over their ballooning shape, they tend to turn to food for comfort – and a vicious cycle begins.
Binge eating related obesity carries with it a number of adverse health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sleep apnea
- Gastrointestinal problems (such as reflux)
- Certain types of cancer
- Emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks
- Substance abuse problems
In addition to the above problems, those who are obese tend not to exercise, both because of discomfort related to exertion and also due to embarrassment over body shape. This lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and also to health problems.
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