How to tell if you have Binge Eating Disorder
As an Binge Eating Specialist Dietitian, I mainly see clients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). So I thought it would be helpful to break down the signs and symptoms of BED as I know that the online space is FULL of misinformation.
Binge Eating Disorder is a serious eating disorder that is characterised by frequent episodes of uncontrollable eating, which is followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and distress.
The DSM-5 (1) and the ICD 10 Binge Eating Disorder (2) are used to diagnose BED.
It's important to note that not everyone with BED experiences all of these symptoms and that the severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help from a medical or mental health professional.
Common signs and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
Recurrent episodes of binge eating: People with BED consume a large amount of food in a short period of time, usually within two hours, and feel a sense of lack of control over their eating.
Eating more rapidly than normal: People with BED often eat very quickly during a binge episode, as they feel a sense of urgency to consume as much food as possible in a short period of time.
Eating until uncomfortably full: During a binge episode, people with BED continue to eat until they feel physically uncomfortable or even in pain.
Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry: People with BED may eat when they are not physically hungry or may continue to eat even after they feel full.
Eating alone: People with BED may feel ashamed and embarrsed of their eating habits and may avoid eating in front of others. This may result in eating alone in secret, at home or in places like the car.
Feelings of guilt and shame: After a binge episode, people with BED often experience feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing.
Hoarding food: People with BED may hoard food in their homes or other private locations to ensure they have enough food to binge on or to hide binge foods from loved ones in the house.
Fluctuations in weight: People with BED may experience significant fluctuations in weight, as they may go through cycles of bingeing and restricting.
As you can see there are a lot of signs and symptoms that might mean you have BED. This is not an exhaustive list, if what you are experiencing with binge eating is not here, your symptoms are still valid and you deserve the help you want.
What causes Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating is a complex behaviour that can have various underlying causes, including psychological, biological, and environmental factors. Here are some reasons why people may engage in binge eating:
Emotional triggers: Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional states can trigger binge eating. People may use food as a way to cope with difficult emotions or to distract themselves from negative feelings.
Restrictive dieting: Restrictive diets that involve severe calorie restriction or food elimination can lead to intense hunger and cravings, which can trigger binge eating.
Body image issues: People who have negative body image or unrealistic expectations of their body may engage in binge eating as a way to try to control their weight or shape.
Genetics: Binge eating disorders can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
Trauma or abuse: People who have experienced trauma or abuse may use food as a way to cope with the emotional distress caused by the trauma.
Chemical imbalances: Some studies suggest that binge eating may be linked to imbalances in brain chemicals such as dopamine (ADHD) and serotonin, which can affect mood, appetite, and impulse control.
Environmental factors: People who live in an environment that promotes unhealthy eating habits or who have easy access to large amounts of food may be more likely to engage in binge eating.
It's important to note that these are just some of the many factors that can contribute to binge eating and that each person's experience with the disorder may be unique.
NEED SUPPORT WITH BINGE EATING?
Having binge eating disorder can be overwhelming and difficult to manage alone, especially if it has been going on for a long time. Toni offers 1:1 consultations to support you in positive, health promoting behaviours that help you to stop dieting and binge eating. You can find out more about how Toni can support you here.
Toni Rudd x
The Binge Dietitian
My Mission: Embracing a balanced and sustainable approach
At The Binge Dietitian, my mission is simple yet powerful: to help yo-yo dieters liberate themselves from binge eating and find lasting peace with food. I am passionate about guiding you towards a healthier relationship with both your body and the food you consume. Together, we will set sustainable and realistic goals that support your overall well-being.
