Overeating from time to time is completely normal, but there’s a difference between overeating and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). If you have recurrent episodes of binge eating that are both physically and emotionally distressing, BED may be getting the best of you.
Overeating or BED?
If you’re worried about your eating behavior and wonder about BED, it may help to know that you are not alone. Data compiled by the American Psychiatric Association reveals that about 8 million people in the U.S. (5 million women, 3 million men) struggle with this eating disorder.
Though BED can be successfully treated, the stigma of having an eating disorder can make seeking treatment incredibly difficult.
BED Can Lead to Complications
Complications from BED can be emotionally and physically devastating. Higher rates of anxiety and depression, diminishing self-esteem, and persistent feelings of shame, guilt, and even self-hatred can occur alongside this disorder. Health problems do co-occur with BED (e.g., cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension), however these health issues are largely due to chronic stress, fat bias, and poor medical care, not the size of a person's body. In fact, you can absolutely be larger and completely healthy.
Symptoms of BED
The most common BED symptoms are behavioral and emotional, characterized by a feeling of powerlessness over food.
The clues to binge eating disorder are revealed in the way you eat and how you feel about your eating. People with BED have episodes of binge eating an average of once or twice per week for three months or more.
Are you concerned that your binge eating might be binge eating disorder?
Consider these 5 clear clues that binge eating is getting the best of you:
1. Eating a Lot of Food in a Very Short Time
A primary sign of BED is consuming a large amount of food in a short time—typically two hours. The amount of food needed to qualify as a binge is rather subjective, however it will be significantly more food than a typical meal.
2. Continuing to Eat, Even Though You are Over-Full
People with BED have trouble feeling satisfied, no matter how much they eat. Because satiety isn't typically experienced in a normal way, it is hard to stop eating. You may eat beyond the point of feeling full, even to the point of pain.
Some find themselves bingeing during times of stress or emotional volatility. Others don't know why they turn to food, just that they cannot stop. Everyone who struggles with binge eating is unique, and therefore the issues at hand and methods in treatment may differ.
3. Eating Normally with Others but Bingeing When You’re Alone
People with BED often eat alone or in secret. There can be a sense of shame with your eating behaviors, and you may need to hide to avoid further embarrassment and pain. Hoarding food and creating rituals for eating are common, as you may tend to under-eat to "make up for" a binge, which then leads only to more overeating.
4. Feeling Out of Control
Individuals with BED often feel they can’t control their eating behaviors. You may understand that, even though you want to, you can’t stop eating. Food is usually eaten rapidly and compulsively, often silencing uncomfortable feelings.
Commonly, individuals who diet will succumb to the restrict/binge cycle, when after a period of restricting foods, you will overeat in response to psychological and physical deprivation.
5. Feeling Ashamed and Disgusted About Binge Eating
Particularly after an episode of binge eating, you may experience overwhelming guilt, shame, and even disgust. There is often a "yelling" component in BED, that is characterized by extremely negative self-talk, self-bullying language, and a sense of eroding self-esteem and worthlessness. This, in my opinion, is the worst side-effect of BED, as it can take over your emotional and mental life, stealing your energy, joy, satisfaction, and quality of life. Other common emotional signs include anxiety and depression, which can also lead to more overeating. You may develop a negative body image, as an obsession with food and fat is a hallmark of the disorder.
The Take-Away
Keeping your suffering a secret can be painful and isolating, and we hope that you will begin the healing process with a trusted eating disorder specialized team (a therapist & dietitian) as soon as possible. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
You deserve a life free from the suffering from Binge Eating Disorder, and free from the endless mental battles and body shame that come with it.
Get Specialized Support
The ACED team is an inclusive group of specialized therapists and dietitians who can help you to heal so you can get back to living your life.
We’re here to help. Schedule your complimentary 15-20 minute phone consultation to find out if the ACED team could be a good fit for you.
Legal disclaimer: The ACED team is comprised of mental health professionals licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Reading our blog does not create a therapist-client relationship between us. Our blog is designed for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional care. The contents of this blog should not be used to diagnose or treat illness of any kind, and before you rely on any information presented here you should consult with a trusted healthcare professional. If you are currently experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.