Binge eating is the most common form of an eating disorder. Binge eating affects both men and women and can affect one at any age. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by uncontrollable, excessive eating, followed by feelings of shame and guilt. Those with binge-eating disorder typically do not purge their food unlike people who suffer from bulimia.

However, many who have bulimia also have binge-eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is often called compulsive eating disorder as well and many people who binge eat are doing so based on a myriad of different emotions. In order to understand what this disorder really is and how it can have a tremendous impact on one's health, let's take a look at some of the facts surrounding binge-eating disorder.

The simple facts on Binge eating disorder:

• About one in 5 young women have reported to have binge-eating disorder
• Men make up about 40 percent of all people affected with binge eating disorder
• Binge eaters use food as way to deal with their emotions.
• Binge eating is often about feeding an emotion rather than one's hunger
• Binge eating is separate eating disorder that is not related to anorexia or bulimia
• Binge eating is the most common eating disorder and affects nearly 10 million people a year.
• Binge eating has been linked to depression. In fact statistics have shown that people who are binge eaters are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.

Binge eating is uncontrollable. After a session of binge eating, most people will often feel ashamed and embarrassed. They often wish to stop the emotional eating, but the cravings are so intense that without help they are unable to stop.

Biological abnormalities have been linked to binge eating. It is thought that they hypothalamus is not sending the proper signals to the body. The hypothalamus is responsible for letting the body know when it is full and if the hypothalamus is not sending the right signals, one may more prone to partake in binge-eating. Genetic mutations have also been found to be a cause of binge eating as well as lower levels of serotonin in the brain. Childhood sexual abuse has also been linked to binge eating.

This compulsive and emotional eating disorder can lead to physical, emotional, and social issues.

Binge eating is a complex medical condition that often require intervention. There are many factors that contribute to one turning to food for comfort. In order to overcome binge eating these factors needs to be clearly identified. The occasional feeling of eating too much or turning to comfort food to relieve the stress of a bad day is considered normal. It is when these patterns happen all the time and that the eating becomes uncontrollable, that one may need to seek some medical help.

There are various forms of treatment to end binge eating now, and some of them include counseling, nutrition training and education and working with your doctor to devise a better way to manage your emotions. And finally, keep in mind that binge eating can become rather serious and with proper treatment this disorder can be overcome.