While most overweight people have no more psychological disturbance than normal weight people, about 30 percent of the people who seek treatment for serious weight problems have difficulties with binge eating. During a binge eating episode, people eat large amounts of food while feeling they can't control how much they are eating. Those with the most severe binge eating problems are considered to have binge eating disorder. These people may have more difficulty losing weight and keeping the weight off than people without binge eating problems. Some will need special help, such as counseling or medication, to control their binge eating before they can successfully manage their weight.
Some rare illnesses can cause obesity.
These include hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, depression, and certain neurologic problems that can lead to overeating. Certain drugs, such as steroids and some antidepressants, may cause excessive weight gain. A healthcare provider can determine if a patient has any of these conditions, which are believed to be responsible for only about 1 percent of all cases of obesity. This information was developed and written by the Helios Health team and reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board . Inc. All Rights Reserved.