Why Do Some People Binge Eat?
Most experts believe that it takes a combination of things to develop an eating disorder — including a person’s genes, emotions, and behaviors (such as eating patterns) learned during childhood. Some people may be more prone to overeating for biological reasons. For example, the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls appetite) may fail to send proper messages about hunger and fullness. And serotonin, a normal brain chemical that affects mood and some compulsive behaviors, may also play a role in binge eating. In most cases, the unhealthy overeating habits that develop into binge eating start during childhood, sometimes as a result of eating habits learned in the family. It’s normal to associate food with nurturing and love. But some families may overuse food as a way to soothe or comfort. When this is the case, kids may grow up with a habit of overeating to soothe themselves when they’re feeling pressured because they may not have learned healthier ways to deal with stress.
