If you find you are one of those who keeps eating and can't stop, don't be embarrassed or ashamed. You may be suffering from an eating disorder. Specifically binge eating. Which is one of the most common, and most secretive, eating disorders going.

So just what does the binge eating disorder involve? Good question.

By definition binge eating is out of control eating of large amounts of food. In other words those who cram an entire loaf of bread into their mouth or inhale a bag of cookies as fast as they can are likely to be binge eaters.

For some it's a coping mechanism or a way to deal with stress of daily life. Where food is unconsciously used to reward or punish.

Emotionally based eating like this also a physical side. It results in an uncomfortable feeling of being stuffed that is both painful and humiliating.

Besides it's a cycle that's tough to break. And a problem that is most likely to strike women. As six out of ten binge eaters are female.

Yet don't confuse binge eating bulimia. That later is where people purge the food they have just eaten by vomiting or using laxatives.

Now some of the signs or symptoms of this disorder are:

• Frequent episodes of runaway eating

• Unable to control what and how much is being eaten

• Rapidly stuffing in large amounts of food even when not hungry

• Eating alone, or in secret, out of embarrassment

• Feelings of depression, disgust or guilt after binging

Though this problem generally is seen more in women even men are not spared. It affects both obese and people without weight problems as well.

The causes for this disorder is not known though there is thought to a relationship between depression and this eating disorder. Negative emotions like anger, anxiety and boredom can trigger it. But positive events can leave some standing in front of the refrigerator looking for something else to engulf too.

Some side effects include obesity, blood pressure problems, heart disease and the like. Also people suffering from this disorder may miss work or withdraw socially from family and friends.



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