Doctor Insights On What Are The Health Complications Of Binge Eating Disorder Specially In Kids?

There is a rising concern about eating disorders among children, and new-age parents are increasingly worried. Among all the other health ailments like anorexia and bulimia, binge eating disorder is particularly growing as an alarming trend that intersects with the broader issue of childhood obesity. Statistics show that 8.4% of children are already affected by obesity, and 12.4% of the child population is overweight.

However, the post-COVID scenario has surprisingly made this situation worse. During the pandemic, being at home and constantly in front of gadgets disrupted daily routines, and the increased isolation gradually elevated stress levels, creating the perfect conditions for disrupted eating patterns to develop—especially among children. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, Consultant – Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout in Bengaluru, discussed the health complications of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in kids.

According to Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, parents observed episodes of breaking away from disciplined eating habits in their kids, which often included the consumption of large portions of food in short intervals with no control. It has been observed that several factors have contributed to the increased rate of binge eating disorder among children. High-calorie, artificial foods and sugary fizzy drinks make it easier for children to fall into the trap of binge eating. Additionally, the drastic increase in screen time among children has led to more inactivity and careless eating habits. Doctors and experts now witness 5–7 cases daily of such mindless eating behaviour.

Also Read: Doctor Advice On What Are The Silent Signs Of Endometriosis Every Woman Should Be Aware Of?

Moreover, the psychological impact of Binge Eating Disorder cannot be easily understood. Children with such disorders often experience low self-esteem and body image issues, which can lead to anxiety and discomfort, further triggering binge eating behaviors. There are several emerging health risks associated with BED, including insulin resistance—which affects around 20% of obese children—type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Apart from minor complications, cardiovascular health issues are also a serious concern. Children with BED often face an increased risk of high cholesterol levels, which, when combined with obesity, paves the way for early cardiovascular complications. The inactive lifestyle that usually accompanies binge eating further amplifies these risks, creating a concerning chain of health issues, added Dr. Dhanalakshmi R.

In such cases, parents often struggle to recognize the warning signs of BED in their children at an early stage. BED can often appear as ‘normal’ comfort eating or typical childhood overeating, and may not always result in noticeable weight gain, unlike other eating disorders. Some crucial early warnings of BED include the consumption of large quantities of food even when not hungry, secretly eating at irregular hours, and hoarding food. Additionally, the immune system of children with BED can be compromised. When combined with poor nutrition, BED can increase psychological stress, weakening the immune response despite high caloric intake. Various studies suggest that such inactive lifestyles and insufficient nutrition can impact not only the immune system but also increase vulnerability to frequent illnesses, posing a serious health risk.

Also Read: Know From An Expert How Chronic Stress Majorly Triggers Kidney Inflammation And Impacts Cancer Progression Too?

Finally, Dr. Dhanalakshmi R stated that if you are a parent seeking treatment for your child with BED, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) should be considered, as it has shown promise in helping children develop healthier relationships with food and better understand the emotional triggers behind binge eating. Family-based therapy can also be highly effective, as it helps create a supportive environment that allows parents to recognize and address the factors contributing to their child’s eating disorder.