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There is a rising concern about eating disorders among children, and new-age parents are increasingly worried. Among various health ailments like anorexia and bulimia, binge eating disorder (BED) is particularly emerging as an alarming trend, intersecting with the broader issue of childhood obesity. Statistics show that 8.4% of children are already affected by obesity, while 12.4% of the child population is overweight. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru, discussed the health complications of Binge Eating Disorder (BED), especially in children.

According to Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, the post-COVID scenario has surprisingly worsened the situation. During the pandemic, prolonged stay at home and increased screen time disrupted daily routines, leading to heightened stress levels. This created ideal conditions for disrupted eating patterns, especially among children. Parents observed episodes of breaking disciplined eating habits in their kids, which often included consuming large portions of food within short intervals, with little to no control.

Several factors have contributed to the rising prevalence of BED 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 has led to more inactivity and careless eating habits. Doctors and experts now witness 5-7 cases daily of such mindless eating behavior. The psychological impact of BED is also significant, as children with the disorder often struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues. This, in turn, creates a cycle where anxiety and discomfort trigger further binge eating episodes. Emerging health risks associated with BED include insulin resistance—affecting around 20% of obese children—type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, Dr. Dhanalakshmi R added.

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Beyond 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, can lead to early cardiovascular complications. The inactive lifestyle that often accompanies binge eating further exacerbates these risks, creating a concerning chain of health issues. Parents often struggle to recognize the warning signs of BED in their children at an early stage. BED can sometimes appear as ‘normal’ comfort eating or childhood overeating, and unlike other eating disorders, it may not always result in visible weight loss. Key early warnings of BED include consuming large quantities of food even when not hungry, secretly eating food at irregular hours, and hoarding food.

Additionally, the immune system of children with BED can also be compromised. When combined with poor nutrition, BED can increase psychological stress, weakening the immune system's response despite a high caloric intake. Research suggests that an inactive lifestyle and inadequate nutrition can not only impair immunity but also make children more vulnerable to frequent illnesses, posing a serious health risk.

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Finally, Dr. Dhanalakshmi R emphasized that parents seeking treatment for children with BED should consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown promise in helping children develop healthier relationships with food and understand the emotional triggers for binge eating. Family-based therapy can also be highly beneficial, as it fosters a supportive environment where parents can better understand and address the factors contributing to their child's eating disorder.