Why do people overeat

Overeating is a problem that exists in many people. If such symptoms exist for a long time, it is very likely to be bulimia nervosa. Of course, there are many reasons that lead to overeating, such as genetic factors, biochemical abnormalities, etc. Overeating is of no benefit to human health, so if you have a problem with overeating, you still need to seek treatment in time!

1. Causes

The cause of bulimia nervosa is still unclear and may be related to multiple factors. Genetic factors and biochemical abnormalities, such as serotonin dysfunction and decreased hypothalamic 5-HT release, can all cause symptoms of binge eating. Women who experienced more mental stress were at higher risk for binge eating. The series of measures taken by modern women in pursuit of slimness can either suppress appetite or have the opposite effect, manifesting as overeating.

2. Clinical manifestations

Episodes of binge eating are the main feature of this disease. When binge eating occurs, the appetite increases greatly and the person eats a lot and fast, even eating several times the normal amount at one time, until it becomes unbearable. At the beginning, the person feels ashamed of the binge eating behavior and does it in secret, which is often accompanied by mood changes, such as anxiety and depression, which are often related to changes in weight and body shape. Patients place excessive emphasis on body appearance and are often dissatisfied with themselves. After binge eating, people may feel disgusted, guilty, and worried, and some may even develop suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The frequency of attacks varies, and most people have several attacks within a week. In order to offset the weight gain caused by binge eating, patients often take various measures to increase excretion, reduce absorption or excessive exercise, such as vomiting after eating, laxatives, taking diuretics, diet pills, reducing food intake or fasting, etc. Most patients have normal appetite during the interval between attacks, with only a few experiencing decreased appetite. Most patients can control their weight, with a normal weight or a slight increase in weight, and less than a quarter of patients lose weight. Bulimia often significantly affects the patient's social and occupational functioning.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to restore nutritional status and re-establish normal eating behavior, breaking the vicious cycle of physical and psychological sequelae caused by malnutrition, as well as continued eating disorders and bad behavior patterns. The treatment plan includes restoration of nutritional status, drug therapy and psychotherapy.

Antidepressants have a certain effect in treating bulimia. Fluoxetine, trazodone, imipramine, desmethylimipramine, etc. can reduce bulimia symptoms and improve anxiety and depression. Carbamazepine and lithium carbonate are partially effective for bulimia. The above drugs are used in doses similar to those used to treat mood disorders. In addition, low-dose haloperidol is effective for some patients. The above-mentioned drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor to avoid adverse reactions.

Psychological treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis and family intervention to change patients' inappropriate views on body shape and weight, improve depression, reduce bulimia and establish correct behavioral patterns.

Little is known about the natural history or long-term outcomes of bulimia nervosa. However, data show that for untreated patients, 25% to 35% of patients will experience spontaneous remission of symptoms after 1 to 2 years; for patients who receive regular treatment, 50% to 90% will experience remission. The longer the illness lasts, the worse the prognosis.