Mental health experts are still trying to understand what factors may put someone at risk of developing binge-eating disorder. People with binge-eating disorder may have different risk factors from people with other eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.

Here are some risk factors under study:

Dieting.

Dieting is often a risk factor for anorexia and bulimia. People with binge-eating disorder have a mixed history of dieting — some have dieted to excess dating back to childhood, while others haven't.

Psychological issues.

Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge-eting disorder. Like people with bulimia, they tend to act impulsively and feel a lack of control over their behavior. They may have a history of depression or substance abuse.

Sexual abuse.

Some people with binge-eating disorder report having been sexually abused as children.

Media and society.

People with binge-eating disorder are typically preoccupied with their body shape, weight and appearance. Messages in the media that equate thinness with success may heighten the self-criticism that's common in binge eating.

By Kristin Gerstley

Related Articles