Binge Eating Disorder is Officially Recognized
Overeating is Now Seen as an Addiction Abuse by Researchers
Jan 8, 2007
Binge eating disorder is recognized officially by researchers as an addiction abuse. Treatment for binge eating disorder will now change dramatically.
We’ve all done it or know someone who has. It’s that uncontrollable craving to eat, not only one cookie, but the whole box. It’s the unstoppable urge to eat the whole carton of ice cream instead of just a bowl.
But a new study by Université de Montreal neuroscientist, Stephanie Fulton, has brought to light the similarities between binging and addiction abuse. The same hormones that regulate feeding (and, therefore, binge eating disorder) also regulate neuron activity that is connected to drug abuse.
By studying obese mice in her research, Stephanie found that whether it’s craving food, alcohol or any other substance, the same molecular changes take place.
What this means for people who are looking into treatment for binge eating disorder is that research is being done to help understand the science of it. As with other addictions, binging can be treated with specific steps and procedures.
The next project is to study the front and midbrain, where dopamine activity takes place. Scientists believe that obese people have irregular dopamine levels and, by studying them specifically, the relationship between normal eating and binging can be recognized.
