Overeating disorders cause serious medical problems and excessive weight gain. Overeating can be caused by psychological or physical factors and finding the cause is vital to treatment. Some rare overeating disorders are caused by gene mutations or changes in brain function.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of compulsive overeating include rapid or extreme weight gain, buying large amounts of food, eating based on emotion and excessive food consumption. Overeaters may have difficulty dealing with stress and feel guilt, disgust and shame over their food habits.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare overeating disorder, has a genetic cause. Persons with Prader-Willi syndrome suffer from an uncontrollable desire to eat, which can result in severe obesity. Some patients with Prader-Willi syndrome suffer from mental or physical problems and can demonstrate signs of violence or aggression. Many people with Prader-Willi syndrome suffer ruptured stomachs because of overeating.
MC4R Deficiency
MC4R is a genetic-based deficiency which can result in overeating and obesity because the brain protein that controls the urge to eat is affected by the defective gene. This normally requires intense treatment and can require daily dietary management, behavior modification and bariatric surgery. Some drugs for MC4R mutations are in clinical development to help regulate their function.
Serotonin
Low serotonin levels can cause someone to overeat because she craves carbohydrates. According to Dr. Matthew Keene, serotonin levels are found to be four times lower in these people than those who do not overeat. Making serotonin levels stable is an important aspect in improving long-term results.
Risks
Overeating can cause heart attacks, increase in blood pressure, higher cholesterol, stroke, kidney problems, arthritis, bone deterioration and stomach ruptures. It is important for an overeating disorder to be treated properly to avoid health problems.
Warning
Medications such as steroids, antibiotics, antidepressants and pain relievers can also cause an increase in appetite and lead to overeating.
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