What is a common complication of binge eating disorder?

A common complication of binge eating disorder is esophageal tear, which can occur due to the physical effects of excessively overeating or rapid consumption of food. Individuals suffering from binge eating disorder often eat large amounts of food in a short period, which can lead to significant physical stress on the body, including the esophagus. The potential for an esophageal tear arises from the pressure and stretching caused by the rapid influx of food, which can damage the esophageal lining.

In contrast, conditions like heart disease and liver failure can be indirectly connected to binge eating disorder through factors such as obesity, poor dietary habits, and overall health decline. However, they are not immediate or direct results of the disorder itself. Hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, generally relates more to excessive fluid intake or certain medical conditions rather than directly to binge eating episodes. Each of these alternatives points to serious health considerations often associated with poor dietary choices or health issues, but a direct acute consequence during episodes of binge eating aligns most clearly with the risk for esophageal tears.