Binge Eating Disorder

Did you know that binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet many people do not seek help for binge eating disorder? As I work with patients who struggle with their relationship with food, I have found several things to be true about BED. 

• Patients struggling with BED often feel shame surrounding food and body which often prevents them from reaching out for help.

• Patients struggling with BED often believe they lack will-power, which is NOT the case.

• Patients struggling with BED often have an underlying issue which keeps their disorder alive (such as ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Low self-esteem).

• Patients struggling with BED are often on a diet to lose weight, however dieting might just be the thing holding them captive.

Binge eating is not just about food! Food often becomes the coping skill, the release for patients; a way to escape from troubling memories, stress, boredom, or loneliness. Food is just the tip of the iceberg; it’s what lives under the iceberg that holds the key to understanding why you use food to cope. 

Most patients with BED go through a cycle which looks like this:

Phase 1: I diet because I am not happy with my body; I want to lose weight.

Phase 2: My diet has me restricting and cutting out food groups, which leaves me feeling deprived.

Phase 3: After hours or days of deprivation I have extreme cravings (which is natural as your body is asking for fuel).

Phase 4: I overeat and lose control with food.

Phase 5: I feel intense guilt and shame. I feel like I have failed yet again (which could not be further from the truth). 

AND THE CYCLE REPEATS ITSELF.

Binge Eating Cycle

As you look at this diagram, I hope you can see how Binge eating is not your fault. It’s not about self-control or willpower. Binge eating is about breaking the cycle and understanding what keeps the cycle alive for you. You see, you cannot hate yourself into a version you love and care for. 

If you think you might have binge eating disorder, take a moment ask yourself these questions. 

• Do you experience binge eating episodes more than 2x per week? 

• Do feel a lack of control over food once you begin eating? 

• Do you eat until you feel physically sick? 

• Do you feel shameful or guilty after eating? 

• Do you often eat alone?

• Do you find yourself trying new diets or restricting food intake after a binge?
  

If you answer yes to 3 or more of the above questions you may be struggling with BED. 

Binge eating disorder is treatable, and this is why finding a therapist trained in the treatment of eating disorders is so important. Book a consultation today to learn how our therapists can help you.