Night eating syndrome linked to weight gain

Night eating syndrome affects nearly 27% of obese individuals and around 1.5% of the general population. Read on to learn about this condition.

Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by a constant, persistent pattern of late-night binge eating. It is different from Nocturnal Eating Syndrome also called as Sleep Eating Syndrome wherein people consume large amount of calories while in their sleeping state and usually do not recall the event the next day. NES is not yet classified as an eating disorder and diagnosis is still under progress.

People with NES consume over half of their daily food intake after or during dinner. Most people suffering from this syndrome tend to wake up in the middle of a night to snack or binge. Approximately, 1-2 per cent of the world’s population is affected by NES. Every body is equally prone to developing this condition irrespective of age or sex however young women tend to be more susceptible to NES. Individuals suffering from night eating syndrome showcase a low self-esteem and are more likely to be depressed. People develop this condition over years and it is common amongst people trying hard to lose weight. This condition affects up to 27% of obese people, and roughly 1.5% of the general population.

Symptoms:

- Skipping breakfast
- Not eating for hours together before having the first meal of the day
- Consuming more food after dinner than during the meal
- Late night binging mostly carbohydrates
- Anxious or depressed
- Insomniac or have a trouble in getting sleep

Coping with NES:

Steps to cope with night eating syndrome are discussed below:

Step # 1

Eat breakfast everyday irrespective of whether you are hungry or not. Eat a protein rich breakfast that involves eggs, wholegrain or salmon.

Step # 2

Do not skip your lunch. If you eat in the morning, you will notice that you are hungry by 12 noon. This might be surprising as before when you missed breakfast, you would often not feel hungry by 3 or 4 pm. Do not think that you will gain weight if you eat so often. Eat a healthy lunch that satiates your hunger. Include high fiber foodstuffs, filling foods like beans, salads, lean meats, whole grains and nuts.

Step # 3

Follow your eating schedule diligently. If you follow this eating pattern you will notice that you are not that hungry during dinnertime. However, still do not skip your dinner; try to have something like a soup or salad.

Step # 4

Stay away from eating desserts if you are suffering from NES condition as it is seen to restart your late night binging activity. If you want to eat something sweet, have a fruit after dinner.

Step # 5

After you follow the above pattern for few days, you will notice that your energy levels are supercharged throughout the day, your quality of sleep is improved, you are in good mood throughout the day and your weight is in control.

Lastly, after getting rid of your late night binging habit if you feel anxious or depressed, seek medical help as without addressing these issues you cannot overcome night eating syndrome.