Over consumption of calories during the evening hours or at night can significantly limit the effectiveness of any weight-loss program. Many people find themselves eating more towards the end of the day, and chalk it up to diminishing willpower, boredom or bad habits. While these are factors which can influence evening eating , for an estimated 1.5% of the general population (and at least 8% of
bariatric patients), the problem may be more involved.
Night Eating Syndrome, or
NES, is a lesser known eating disorder which is gaining recognition as a legitimate medical problem. Symptoms of
NES include the consumption of more than 25% of daily calories after supper, waking up at night to eat at least three times per week, little or no appetite during the first part of the day, and feelings of distress and loss of control over food consumption. Research has found lower levels of the hormones melatonin (involved in sleep) and
leptin (involved in weight-loss) as well as the stress hormone cortisol.
If you think you may be suffering from
NES, talk with your health care provider to get an accurate diagnosis and find out about treatment options. Medication management with
SSRIs as well as behavior modification, including stress management and cognitive behavioral therapy are all things which may be helpful. With accurate information, appropriate treatment and support, recovery is within reach.
Labels: night eating, overeating
