When does food become an addiction?

Between 16% and 51% of patients with overweight and obesity who visit clinics present binge eating disorder (BED). Compulsive eating is an eating behavior disorder. When around other people, those affected eat little or not at all, but when alone they binge eat, which leads to feelings of guilt for their lack of control and shame over weight gain. A patient with BED is not necessarily obese.

Currently, it is estimated that the prevalence in Mexico is 1.6%, of which 60% are women and 40% men. This makes it a disease, unlike bulimia or anorexia, which are almost equally common in both sexes. BED can affect any socioeconomic level and all ages, although it is more common in adults.

Some personal, social, cognitive, and neurological factors may contribute to emotional dysregulation that produces distress and anxiety. Consequently, some people seek regulation through food, which provides momentary feelings of calm, satisfaction, and well-being, but afterward they feel guilty and their frustration increases, creating a vicious cycle.

BED is not a patient’s choice; it is more complex than simply deciding to have it or not. It even involves neurobiochemical alterations at the brain level, as well as environmental triggers like depression and anxiety, in addition to inconsistent eating patterns.

Some have a history of unsuccessful diets, impulsivity problems, or difficulties with problem-solving. Unlike bulimia, where binge eating also occurs, compulsive eaters do not have compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting; using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas; or prolonged fasting or excessive exercise.

At Réduit, we can help you with this because we are committed to your overall health. We invite you to start a new life full of health and well-being with our weight control program, available at all our locations with certified doctors.