Binge eating is more common than we think. Some people deal with it by becoming bulimic, but others suffer the extra weight gain. Deep emotional scars from childhood are often implicated, but for these people food is a drug that comforts and increases serotonin levels in the brain which makes them feel better. Stress and boredom probably also play a role.
Binge Eating is often in response to deep depression. Eating brings some happiness and some very temporary relief, however, it is not a long-term solution and the weight gain will cause one to be even more depressed, thus continuing the cycle.
Signs and symptoms of Binge Eating
Here is a link to the story of a lady on LCF's who has experienced this problem and overcome it and now lives triumphantly: TaDa's Story She shared her story to help other people. What a brave, kind lady!
Here is an overview of a book dealing with overcoming binge eating.
