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Night Eating Syndrome in Obesity

Writer's picture: Fatima IqbalFatima Iqbal

Eating at night


Here we will discuss another second most common of the eating disorders called Night Eating Syndrome.


This is common in a sense that folks that suffer from this are aware that they are eating first, after dinner and that they have no other association with sleep disorder eating patterns such as in those who are unconsciously eating as those also exist. The eating behavior at night does cause the patient distress. Night eating is as common as Binge eating disorder and is often co-existent. Amongst people who get bariatric surgery, the prevalence is high in which almost 55% experience Night Eating Syndrome or NES.


This disorder again like Binge Eating Disorder begins as early as in teens and in 20s. Women tend to be more psychologically and emotionally affected than males. NES tends to increase the higher the BMI or body weight. Studies do vary however in proving whether this statement is accurate, but studies found that people in the studies may have been compensating by eating less in the day or by increasing the exercise during the day. But a relationship does exist.


Along with increasing body weight and association with NES, it is also related to certain psychological disorders such as increasing stress and anxiety. Along with these issues, insomnia also is found amongst folks suffering from such an issue.


Treatment of NES is serotonin based as research found that improving serotonin levels tends to decrease the nightly eating episodes. Studies compared both Sertraline and Escitalopram with positive results, ending in lower rate of nocturnal eating syndrome. An alternative was found to bright white light. Studies found that patients that took in atleast 30 minutes of bright light had similar reduction in NES .


Cognitive Behavior Therapy also remains a good treatment option without the role of medication as in such a training, the mind is self trained to monitor its sleep and eating pattern, alleviate negative thoughts and develop coping skills and for those who are overweight to incorporate behavioral weight management as discussed in my prior article for Binge eating.


Lastly, Progressive Muscle Relaxation or PMR technique has also proven to be a good alternative method to relax the body and reduce stress. The treatment leads to reduced stress, anxiety and decrease in overall cortisol causing less nightly hunger.


The following books are self guided ways to help promote Cognitive Behavior therapies to overcome Night Eating Syndrome.


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