Unlike its other counterparts, Anorexia and Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder isn’t as widely known. Nevertheless, it still affects men and women just as much, if not more, as either of the other eating disorders.

BED is classed as a mental health disorder and requires treatment in much the same way as the other two eating disorders. When people think of binge eating they immediately think of a very overweight individual but that isn’t necessarily the case. I’ve met many men and women who look and appear to be with in their normal weight range and still have BED.

People who suffer from BED are plagued by the same issues as someone with Bulimia and Anorexia. They feel a complete loss of control over their lives. Although they may seem to the outside world as if they have great control and are very successful in other ways. But inside they lack self-esteem/self-confidence, feel like frauds, and wait to be “found out” and judged for who they really are – Failures in their own eyes.

A person affected by binge eating disorder may find themselves trapped in a cycle of dieting, binging, self-recrimination and self-loathing. They can feel particularly isolated which can contribute to the prolonging of their experience. 

What Are The Symptoms Of BED

Behaviours may include:

1. Out-of-control eating.
2. Eating more than the body needs.
3. The person may eat much more quickly than usual.
4. Eating until uncomfortably full.
5. Eating large amounts of food, even when not hungry.
6. The person may eat alone perhaps due to embarrassment.

Emotional and psychological symptoms may include:

1. Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
2. Feelings of guilt and shame.
3. Depression.
4. Low self-esteem.
5. Dissatisfaction with body image.
6. Feeling out of control.
7. Anxiety.

Physical symptoms may include:

1. Significant weight gain (not always)
2. Digestive problems.
3. Joint and muscular pain.
4. Breathlessness.
5. Poor skin condition.

The above symptoms are not a conclusive list. A proper professional diagnosis is required usually by a psychiatrist.

Health consequences may include:

1. Digestive problems such as bloating, stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhoea.
2. Malnutrition  (high fats and sugary foods may be consumed, but these are lacking in vitamins and minerals)
3. Weight gain can have the following related health consequences: (only  a few issues are mentioned)
   • High blood pressure
   • High cholesterol levels
   • Heart disease
   • Diabetes
   • Gallbladder disease

Most physical symptoms can be reversed with weight loss and normalisation of a balanced diet and eating habits. But will require the person to have appropirate professional support.

Getting Help

People often try to control Binge Eating Disorder on their own. When they failure to do so it can lead to feelings that are demoralising and depressing.

Further episodes, and consequent feelings of social isolation, missing work, school, etc, will begin a cycle of binge eating, feeling down, try again, fail, binge eating.

People who experience BED will need the help and support of their GP and therapist.

1. The first port of call will be your General Practitioner. The GP will look at the physical effects of binge eating and will make a referral to a psychiatrist, dietician/nutritionist and to a psychologist.
2. Individual psychotherapy and family therapy are useful in addressing the psychological and emotional issues that may be underlying the disorder.
3. Dietary/nutritional advice will aid with eating better foods, lose any weight required, etc.

For change to occur and to be lasting, a recovery approach which tackles both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder will be required.

Recovery

Remember recovery is possible. There is no need to feel ashamed or frightened, your GP and therapist will help you. The fear you may be feeling is normal, but it is isolating you and hindering you getting better. Please reach out for help today.

Support groups can be very useful in reducing feelings of isolation and in providing encouragement,  Overeaters Anonymous is one such group.

To Family and Friends

1. Remember that recovery can only begin when a person is ready to change. You cannot force this change, you can try an intervention but you will require professional support before, during and after this.
2. Identifying and breaking the cycle of dieting and binge eating is an important part of this process. The person affected will need professional support while doing this.
3. Change can be made easier for a person if those around them inform themselves about binge eating disorder and about how they can offer support and show understanding.
4. Most people will experience some periods of relapse and these need to be recognised as part of recovery and not as a failure. Learning to cope with relapse can actually increase the chances of long term recovery.
5. Treatment will vary according to the individual and the time needed for recovery will also vary according to each individual.
6. Counselling: Individuals need psychotherapy to address the psychological problems relating to the personal effectiveness and interpersonal problems that may be underlying the disorder.
7. Family therapy is also important for the same reasons. Any illness or disability affects entire families. Those left to act as carer need support also, so please seek your own therapy.
8. Nutritional counselling is also important to increase a person’s understanding of how their diet and eating patterns are affecting them physically, mentally and socially.
9. Some people may require hospitalisation. It can be difficult for an individual to admit how bad their eating disorder has become and the seriousness of their illness.
10. Recovery can be very frightening and resistance to treatment is normal, so this may have an effect of delaying treatment. This can, in turn, lead to increased distress for carers, parents and family members.
11. As I’ve said, carers, parents and family members should seek information and support for themselves to increase their understanding of the disorder and their ability to help.

Breaking The Cycle is a self-help booklet produced by Bodywhys. Get your free copy here

Work With Me.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.

Other Websites

Bodywhys

NHS

HSE

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa