Fact check: What is the cause of overeating disorder? can it be tied to over drinking alcohol, so alcoholism?

1. Summary of the results

The research reveals a significant connection between overeating disorders and alcohol use, though the relationship is complex and multifaceted.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, and is strongly associated with psychological factors including depression, anxiety, and higher body mass index ^{[1] [2]}. A study of Bahraini youth found a 21.2% prevalence of binge eating symptoms, emphasizing the role of psychological distress in its development ^[2].

The alcohol-overeating connection operates through multiple mechanisms:

• Shared neurobiological pathways: Both disorders involve disrupted reward circuits, similar dopaminergic and opiate pathways, and compulsive behaviors characteristic of addiction ^[3]
• Behavioral patterns: Research shows that binge drinking and binge eating share common psychological backgrounds, including impulsivity, emotional regulation difficulties, and tendency to act rashly when distressed ^[4]
• Social and cultural interconnection: Young adults aged 18-25 demonstrate deeply linked eating and drinking behaviors, including "lining their stomach" before drinking and consuming takeaway food after alcohol consumption ^[5]
• Weight gain mechanisms: Heavy drinking contributes to weight gain through increased food intake, reduced satiety, and hormonal changes ^[6]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements:

• Developmental timing matters: Binge eating on palatable food can increase vulnerability to drug addiction, particularly during adolescence when reward systems are still developing ^[7]
• Bidirectional relationship: The connection isn't simply that alcoholism causes overeating - research suggests binge eating behaviors may actually increase susceptibility to substance addiction ^[7]
• Comorbidity complexity: While there is clear comorbidity between eating disorders and substance use, the underlying mechanisms are complex and not fully understood, requiring more nuanced research approaches ^[8]
• Cultural and social factors: The relationship between eating and drinking is heavily influenced by social norms, convenience, and identity formation, not just biological factors ^[5]

Healthcare professionals and treatment centers would benefit from recognizing these connections, as it supports integrated treatment approaches that address both disorders simultaneously.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains oversimplification bias by suggesting a direct causal relationship ("can it be tied to") rather than acknowledging the complex, bidirectional nature of the relationship. The research indicates that:

• The relationship is bidirectional and multifaceted rather than simply causal ^{[3] [7]}
• Both disorders may stem from shared underlying vulnerabilities rather than one causing the other ^{[4] [3]}
• The connection involves neurobiological, psychological, and social factors working together, not a simple cause-and-effect relationship ^{[5] [8]}

The framing of the question as seeking a direct causal link may lead to oversimplified treatment approaches that fail to address the complex interplay between these disorders.