Many people use the phrase ‘binge’ to describe a one-off overeating episode or if they believe they have ‘overindulged’ on treats. However, this can trivialise the complex challenges faced by those struggling with binge eating.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is lesser known, but most prevalent of all eating disorders. It is believed to affect one in fifty people, and that is just those who meet the tightly defined criteria and have an official diagnosis. There are many more people who battle with disordered eating of which bingeing is factor. It often goes undiagnosed and hidden from others.
It’s important to note that BED is not about being greedy or lacking in willpower. It is a serious and severe illness, associated with significant physical and psychological problems including anxiety and depression. It is often isolating due to feelings of shame and fear of what others might think about their eating behaviour.
Perhaps you have uncontrolled eating episodes. Maybe you believe someone you love struggles with binge eating behaviour. How would you know if what you (or they) are battling with is binge eating behaviour?
Binge eating is characterised by eating a large amount of food within a short period of time, often associated with a loss of control. The eating episode does not provide any pleasure for the individual- many describe it as being in a "trance-like" state. Often a binge is followed by periods of restriction as a means to compensate for what has been consumed.
Other Signs and Symptoms include:
Eating faster than you normally would
Obsessing over food, sometimes planning the binge in advance
Eating until you are overfull, uncomfortable or even sick
Eating large amounts of food when you are not physically hungry
Eating in secret
Distress, shame, and self-loathing is experienced after a binge
Whether you have a diagnosis of BED or not, I understand that for anyone who experiences distress around food and their body, every day is a battle.
This is why having helped hundreds of people to overcome binge eating, I decided to write a book to support many more people on this journey. My book, which provides a four-pillar framework to overcoming binge and emotional eating, will be out later this year.
If you would like to get started and create change in your life now, download my FREE guide Breaking the Cycle - Your First Steps to Healing Your Relationship with Food to kickstart your journey today
This invaluable resource will help you:
✔️Know when you’re really hungry and when you’re not
✔️Learn when to eat that’s best for you
✔️Know the best snacks to help you stop craving and feeling out of control