
Do you often find yourself overeating? Do you gorge yourself on large quantities of food in a short amount of time? Do you end up feeling stuffed and uncomfortable after eating too much too quickly?
Do you feel like you can’t stop eating, even though you’re not hungry? I know that feeling all too well. It’s like no matter how much you eat, you’re never satisfied, just full. You just keep wanting more and more. But why? What is it that your body is really craving?
You may be struggling with binge eating disorder if you often eat large amounts of food in a short period of time. This can lead to feeling out of control, disgusted, and guilty afterwards. Binge eating disorder is a real problem that many people face. If you think you might have it, don’t be afraid to seek help.
This condition — characterized by frequent episodes of excessive overeating — can be terribly frustrating. Overeating creates a feeling of being out of control and can be very difficult to resist. The good news is that there are ways to manage this condition and make it more manageable.
It can be very damaging to your physical and mental health to constantly worry about money as people can be drawn to spend so much for their binges.It’s important to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety about finances so you can live a healthy and happy life.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, traits, and treatment options for binge eating disorder.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that is characterized by frequent episodes of overeating. People with this condition often feel out of control during these episodes, and they may eat even when they’re not hungry. Binge eating disorder can lead to serious health problems, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
During a binge eating episode, you may feel like you can’t control how much you’re eating. You may eat more food than you normally would, or eat even when you’re not hungry. Binge eating episodes can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.
These episodes can be accompanied by shame, guilt, and a lack of control. It’s common to feel like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t deserve what you have. These feelings can be overwhelming, and make it hard to function normally.
Though they may seem similar, binge eating disorder is different from overeating on occasion. Those with binge eating disorder feel a loss of control over their eating. This can lead to eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, even when they’re not hungry. Overeating on occasion happens to everyone and isn’t usually a cause for concern.
It’s a serious condition that can lead to long-term damage to your physical and mental health. If you have it, you need to get treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
There are a number of symptoms that may be associated with binge eating disorder. These include:
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- eating large amounts of food in a short period of time
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- feeling like you can’t stop eating
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- eating even when you’re not hungry
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- feeling hopeless
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- feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
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- avoiding social situations because of your eating habits
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- feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed about your body weight or shape
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a dietitian. They will be able to diagnose you and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
DSM 5 Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder
In order to be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, you must meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The DSM-V is a manual used by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders. To be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, you must meet these criteria with your healthcare professional:
‘Binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
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- Eating much more rapidly than normal
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- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
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- Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
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- Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
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- Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating’
Reference: Management and Outcomes of Binge-Eating Disorder
What Is Classed as a Binge Episode?
An episode of binge eating is defined as consuming an excessive amount of food in a short period of time. This can lead to feeling uncomfortably full and also feeling guilty or ashamed afterwards. However the DSM-V states:
‘An episode of binge eating is characterised by both of the following:
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- Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
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- The sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)’
Reference: Management and Outcomes of Binge-Eating Disorder
If you’re someone who struggles with binge eating, know that you’re not alone. There are many others out there who understand what you’re going through.
Are you a night owl who loves to snack? If so, you may be familiar with the term “binge episode.”
For some, it may be difficult to stop once they start.
We’ve all been there. That feeling of loss of control and guilt. It’s like being on a rollercoaster you can’t get off of. Every day feels like a new emotional low. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Lots of people feel this way at some point in their lives. And there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Binge episodes can be damaging to your physical and mental health.
You may not realize it, but binge episodes can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Whether you’re binging on Netflix or food, these episodes can be harmful to your health.
We all love a good Netflix binge. But did you know that indulging in too much of a good thing can actually be harmful to your health? That’s right, whether you’re binging on your favourite show or an unhealthy amount of food, these episodes can have serious consequences.
If you are interested in some tips on how to stop these binge episodes, click here for my article on how to stop or weaken binge urges
Common Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
There are certain signs that may indicate you’re a binge eater. Maybe you always feel like you’re eating too much, or feel guilty after meals. Maybe you eat even when you’re not hungry, or eat to the point of feeling uncomfortably full. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be a binge eater.
Note: This article is not to be used as a formal diagnosis, please bring the information to your healthcare professional.
You may be a binge eater if you:
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- regularly eat more food than you intended to
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- feel like you can’t control how much you’re eating
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- feel ashamed or embarrassed about how much you’re eating
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- eat even when you’re not hungry
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- feel guilty or disgusted with yourself after eating
These are just some of the signs that may indicate that you have a binge eating disorder.
If you find yourself overeating more than usual, eating much more quickly than normal, or even feeling out of control around food, these could be signs that you’re experiencing binge eating disorder.
No one deserves to feel ashamed or embarrassed about needing help to deal with their mental health, so if this is something you’re struggling with, please reach out to a dietitian who can support you.
If you identify with any of these, it’s important to seek a dietitian.
There are many qualified dietitians who can help you work through whatever it is you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. It could be the best decision you ever make.
First-Line Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
The first-line treatment for binge eating disorder is usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that helps you to change the way you think and behave. It can be very effective in treating binge eating disorder. Other treatment options include medication, support groups, and self-help resources.
What it’s Like Having Binge Eating Disorder
At some point in your life, you may feel like you have no control over food. This is normal! There are many factors that can contribute to this feeling, including stress, hormones, and even fatigue.
If you’re feeling out of control around food, try not to beat yourself up about it. Instead, take some time to identify the triggers that are causing these feelings. Once you know what’s driving them, you can start to make changes that will help you feel more in control.
Maybe you’ve gone on a diet and felt like you were starving yourself. Maybe you’ve yanked yourself out of bed for early-morning workouts, only to find yourself face-down on the couch by noon. Or maybe you’ve tried every fad diet out there, only to end up feeling frustrated and defeated.
But for people with binge eating disorder (BED), these feelings are much more intense. They may feel like they can’t control their eating, and it can have a major impact on their lives. Binge eating disorder is a serious problem that can be difficult to overcome, but with the right help, it is possible to get better.
People with BED feel like they can’t control their eating.
People with binge eating disorder often feel like they can’t control their eating. This can lead to a feeling of shame or guilt. Binge eating disorder is a real and serious medical condition. They binge eat and then feel guilty afterwards.
They often eat large amounts of food, even when they’re not hungry.
They often eat large amounts of food, even when they’re not hungry. It’s like they can’t help themselves. They just keep on eating and eating, even when they’re already full. You’d think that at some point they would get sick of it, but nope. They just keep on going, stuffing their faces with food.
They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their eating habits, but they can’t seem to stop.
They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their eating habits, but they can’t stop. They want to be thinner, so they’ll continue to diet and restrict themselves. It’s a never-ending cycle for them.
The most common eating disorder in the United States is binge eating disorder. It’s characterized by episodes of overeating, followed by feelings of guilt and shame. Binge eating disorder can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
It affects more than twice as many women as men and usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood.
If you have BED, you may:
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- Eat large amounts of food in a short period of time
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- Feel like you can’t control your eating
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- Eat even when you’re not hungry
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- Feel ashamed or embarrassed about your eating habits
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- Eat until you’re uncomfortably full
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- Have trouble concentrating on anything else because you’re thinking about food
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- Feel depressed, anxious, or stressed about your body or your eating habits
Should I Lose Weight to Stop Binge Eating Habits?
The goal of treating binge eating disorder is not to lose weight. Excess weight is a symptom of binge eating disorder, not the illness itself. The NICE guidelines state that BED treatments aren’t meant to help you gain or lose weight.
People who are a higher bodyweight or have diabetes with binge eating disorder should be treated to improve metabolic health and weight. If you need to lose weight, this should be discussed with your doctor.
While restrictive dieting can increase binge urges, establishing a regular eating pattern is critical to treating binge eating. Self-help and CBT-based treatments will focus meal planning and food diaries.
Resources
There are a number of excellent resources available for those struggling with binge eating disorder. Here are just a few:
BEAT Eating Disorders
This UK-based charity offers support and information for those affected by eating disorders, as well as their friends and family.
Overcoming Binge Eating by Dr Christopher Fairburn
Widely considered the go-to book on the subject, this guide covers everything from understanding the disorder to developing a plan for recovery. Find out how to eat only when hungry and stop when satisfied. It provides strategies and tips for managing cravings and overcoming obstacles.
Some features of the guide book include:
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- Overcome the urge to binge.
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- Gain control over what and when you eat.
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- Break free of strict dieting and other habits that may contribute to binges.
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- Establish stable, healthy eating patterns.
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- Improve your body image and reduce the risk of relapse.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, reach out for help. These resources can offer support and guidance on the road to recovery.
Final Thoughts
So, what is binge eating disorder? DSM 5 defines it as recurrent episodes of binge eating that occur at least once a week for three months. During these binges, people eat an unusually large amount of food and feel out of control. If you think you may have BED, there are certain signs to look out for, and first-line treatment is available. However, overcoming binge eating can be difficult- that’s where our free recovery course comes in. The Binge Eating Recovery Course provides information on how to identify and overcome your own personal triggers, as well as advice from experts and fellow sufferers. Head over to our website to sign up now.
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