Q. I am determined to lose weight in the new year, but I can’t stop eating. I eat when I’m not hungry, and I hide my eating from my family and friends. Last week, I ate a box of donuts while driving home from work. I put the box in the trash immediately, so my husband wouldn’t see it. What is wrong with me and what can I do to stop it?

A. You are displaying signs of a binge-eating disorder. Although many people are not familiar with the condition, it is now more frequent than anorexia and bulimia. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, binge eaters usually have the following characteristics:

- They eat very large amounts of food frequently without self-induced vomiting or any other weight loss technique.

- They feel out of control during binging episodes.

- They experience shame and guilt after overeating.

- They know that their eating is out of control, but seem unable to stop the behavior.

According to WebMD, people with binge-eating disorders usually have underlying mental health issues. Nearly half of the people diagnosed as binge eaters also report depression.

There are also environmental factors in the development of the disorder. Oftentimes binge eaters come from families where food was used as a reward or comfort. For example, if a child came home from school upset, a mother would make a special dessert. Conversely, if the child received good grades, a mother would make the same dessert as a reward.

Recently, researchers have also discovered that brain activity could play a role in binge-eating. According to HelpGuide.org, the hypothalamus, or the part of the brain that controls appetite, may malfunction in overeaters. Therefore, some people may not feel satiated even after a large meal. Some researchers even theorize that people who overeat have low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in their brains. The lack of serotonin is also touted as one of the major reasons for depression.

Although it is not easy to overcome binge-eating, there are techniques that seem to have a high degree of efficacy. Some of these are:

- Manage your stress through exercise or meditation.

- Eat three healthy meals a day rather than waiting until you are so hungry that you overeat

- Avoid temptation by removing junk food from your home.

- Fight boredom by calling a friend, taking a walk or starting a hobby.

- Get enough sleep by going to bed at a reasonable hour.

- Wait 20 or 30 minutes after a meal before you eat anything else.

- Keep a food diary since most people are unaware of how much they eat during the day.

If these techniques do not work, you probably need a stronger support system. Many cities have chapters of Overeaters Anonymous, which is based on the premise of Alcoholics Anonymous. Other communities have hospital based programs that are quite successful. You can also schedule an appointment with a cognitive-behavior therapist (CBT), who will help you deal with your dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. If none of these options are possible, talk with your primary care physician. Anti-depressant drugs are often helpful in reducing cravings.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem. Binge-eating can cause serious health issues. It’s better to deal with the disorder sooner rather than later.

Nancy Ryburn holds a doctorate degree in psychology from Yeshiva University in New York City. She teaches psychology at Southeast Arkansas College and maintains a private practice. You can reach her at nancyryburn@gmail.com.