Saving the world

Binge eating: The emotional toll

When it comes to disordered eating, binge eating is often at the center of the conversation. And for good reason. Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents (Hudson, 2012).

And yet, as prevalent as BED is, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about what it is, what causes it, and how to treat it. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at Binge Eating Disorder: what it is, what causes it, and the emotional toll it can take on those who suffer from it.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating. But what exactly is a binge? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), a binge is defined as eating, in a discrete period of time (usually less than 2 hours), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time, under similar circumstances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

In order for a binge to be classified as a binge eating episode, it must also be accompanied by at least three of the following six symptoms:

Eating much more rapidly than normal

Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

Eating large amounts of food even when not feeling physically hungry

Eating alone because feeling embarrassed by how much you’re eating

Feeling disgusted with yourself, depressed, or guilty after eating

People with BED often feel like they can’t control their eating and are often consumed by thoughts about food. They may feel like they’re “addicted” to food or that they have no control over their eating. As a result, people with BED often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

There is no one cause of Binge Eating Disorder. Rather, it is thought to be the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

When it comes to biology, there is some evidence to suggest that BED may be partially genetic. Studies that have looked at twins have found that if one identical twin has BED, the other has a 50-75% chance of also having the disorder (Stice, 2002).

In terms of psychology, there are a number of different theories about what contributes to the development of BED. One theory suggests that people with BED may have a distorted body image, and that binge eating is a way of coping with negative feelings about their body (Smolak, Levine, & Thompson, 2001).

Another theory suggests that people with BED may have a history of trauma or abuse, and that binge eating is a way of numbing or coping with the emotions associated with that trauma (Morgenstern, 1991).

Finally, there is the social context theory, which suggests that people with BED may have been exposed to unhealthy messages about weight, dieting, and food, which contributes to their disordered eating (Smolak et al., 2001).

Regardless of the exact cause, it’s important to remember that Binge Eating Disorder is a real and serious mental illness. It is not a choice, and it is not something that people can just “snap out of.”

The Emotional Toll of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder can take a toll on every area of a person’s life. It can impact their physical health, their mental health, their relationships, and their overall quality of life.

The physical consequences of BED are serious. People with BED are at an increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (Hudson, 2012).

The psychological consequences are also serious. People with BED are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders (Hudson, 2012).

Binge eating can also negatively impact a person’s relationships. People with BED may isolate themselves from friends and family, and they may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.

Finally, BED can impact a person’s quality of life. People with BED may miss work or school, and they may have difficulty participating in activities that they enjoy.

In short, Binge Eating Disorder is a real and serious illness with far-reaching consequences. It is not something to be taken lightly.

If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, there is help available. There are a number of effective treatments for BED, and many people have been able to recover and live happy and healthy lives..See page

5 steps to ending binge eating for good

If you’re among the estimated 3.5% of American adults who suffer from binge eating disorder (BED), chances are you’re no stranger to feeling out of control around food. Maybe you eat more than you intended to at social gatherings, or you can’t seem to stop snacking once you start. Whatever the case, it’s not unusual for people with BED to feel ashamed and embarrassed about their eating habits.

The good news is that there is help available, and you can get your life back on track. These five steps can help you take control of your eating and end your struggle with binge eating for good:

1. Seek professional help

If you’re struggling with binge eating, the first step is to seek professional help. This can be in the form of therapy, counseling, or a support group. Working with a professional can help you get to the root of your problem and develop a plan to address it.

2. Identify your triggers

One of the most important steps in overcoming binge eating is to identify your triggers. What situations, emotions, or thoughts lead you to binge eat? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to develop a plan to avoid or cope with them.

3. Make healthy lifestyle changes

If you’re struggling with binge eating, chances are you’re not taking care of yourself in other areas of your life either. This is why it’s so important to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. These changes will not only help you physically, but they’ll also help you mentally and emotionally.

4. Change your thinking

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in your journey to ending binge eating is your own thoughts. If you’re constantly thinking about food, your weight, or your body, it’s only going to fuel your binge eating. Instead, try to focus on thoughts that are positive and helpful. For example, “I’m worth more than the food I eat” or “I can get through this urge to binge eat.”

5. Be patient

Recovery from binge eating disorder takes time, so it’s important to be patient. Don’t expect to make all of the changes overnight, and don’t beat yourself up if you have a slip-up. Just keep reminded yourself that you’re on the right track, and eventually, you’ll get there.

We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about how to stop binge eating. Click here for more.