When Moms-To-Be Binge

Pregnancy can trigger out-of-control eating

Getting pregnant makes some women susceptible to bingeing, even when they had no previous history of eating disorders. In a study of moms-to-be ages 25 to 34, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers noted a significant jump in new cases of binge eating. Don't confuse bingeing with simply craving a specific food. Like bulimics, binge eaters consume a large amount of food in a short time and feel out of control while they do it. But unlike bulimics, they do not compensate for their bingeing by purging, fasting, exercising or abusing laxatives. In fact, two-thirds of bulimics cease their bulimia when they become pregnant. In the study, women with a high body mass index (BMI), previous pregnancies and lower income and education levels were more likely to start bingeing during pregnancy. If your eating is out of control, talk to your doctor about the possible need for intervention to avoid the risk of gaining unhealthy amounts of weight during pregnancy.

From February/March 2008