Although they may binge on food, they don t purge. So patients continue to gain weight. They will eat even when they re not hungry and may have difficulty stopping eating. Excessive body weight increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gall bladder disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The American Anorexia Bulimia Association estimates about 40 percent of people who are obese suffer from binge eating disorder.
Most people think of eating disorders as a female problem.
However, about ten percent of patients are men. And eating disorders may take more of a toll on a man s body. Last year, a study published in The Lancet found men being treated for anorexia and bulimia had a more significant loss of bone mass than women with eating disorders. However, men, as well as women, need to know help is available for eating disorders. Several organizations have toll-free hotlines for consumers to get information and referral to an appropriate treatment center.