Eating disorders are one of the major health issues seen in many that shocks the physical and mental health of an individual. Binge Eating Disorder is most commonly mistaken as good appetite, especially in adolescence, but it implies an imbalance in your neurobiology leading to a mental disorder that seeks attention and treatment.
Binge Eating may be due to lifestyle changes, stress, or some celebrate with food according to their moods etc. Food is now an adornment rather than a necessity which is available in varied types thus people tend to eat more even if they are not hungry due to temptations. When this becomes a chronic condition, it is one to note and treat with care.
Common Mistaken Stigma among Boys & Girls
Common stigma prevails in most parts of the world that boys tend to eat a larger amount of food than that of girls, thus if a girl/woman overeats they are given a second look, but folks it’s time to look into boys too. Research and studies also found by analyzing the female brains is also followed the same for males. Recently, in Keck School of Medicine at USC reported in the “Psychological Medicine” journal that the brain structure of male and females differ. So, what works for women doesn’t work for a man. Binge Eating Disorder is not due to any social or personality causes rather it is a real brain disease that occurs both in boys & girls.
Also Read: Insufficient protein intake leading to overeating
Same Disease, Different Brain Structure
The study on Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development in the US, led to the accessing of brain developmental stages in 11,875 participants, out of which 33 girls and 38 boys exhibited Binge Eating Disorder. Further, research showed 57% of boys and 43% of adult men were the victim of this disease. Studies were conducted by evaluating the grey matter density in individuals using an advanced neuro imaging technique Voxel based morphometry which gives detailed results on the entire structures of brain anatomy.
To elaborate the study of Binge Eating Disorder based on the sexes, a control group of people of the same BMI (Body Mass Index), age, brain & body developmental maturation was set. Subsequently, girls displayed raised Grey matter density in areas of the brain that controls impulsive behavior and eating habits. This phenomenon is called Synaptic Pruning explaining the brain maturation process which is delayed or altered in girls. Whereas, in boys the similar areas presented no difference.
Tested Neurobiological Hypothesis and Its Treatment
