What causes binge eating disorder?

What causes binge eating disorder?

The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. It may start as early as childhood or the early teens and may also run in families. Research indicates that up to half of people with this condition suffer from depression. Whether depression is a cause or the effect of binge eating is unclear.

Binge eating may be triggered by emotional feelings or reactions, such as anger, sadness, boredom, or worry. Impulsive behavior (acting quickly without thinking) and certain other emotional problems can be more common in people with binge eating disorder.

It is also unclear if dieting and binge eating are related, though strict dieting may actually make the problem worse. Some research shows that restricting food intake or trying to follow very-low calorie diets may set off a binge. About half of all people with binge eating disorder will binge right before starting a diet.