What is Binge Eating Disorder and Do I Have it?

3 minutes

We have all heard about binge eating disorder, and many people self-diagnose themselves as having it. To truly meet the diagnosis for BED (according to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), you would meet these criteria:

1. Recurrent Episodes of Binge Eating, which involves: Consuming an amount of food significantly larger than what most people would eat in a similar time frame with at least three of these being present:

   • Eating rapidly.

   • Eating until uncomfortably full.

   • Eating large amounts of food even when not physically hungry.

   • Eating alone due to embarrassment about the quantity consumed.

   • Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward.

2. It would need to have occurred at least once a week for three months and not be associated with other types of compensatory behaviors such as with bulimia or anorexia.

Now that you're aware of the actual diagnostic criteria, it's important to let go of any fixation on meeting those specific parameters. If you struggle with food and overeating, even if you don't precisely align with a clinical diagnosis, is still valid. Some will liken their experience to addictive behavior calling it food addiction. Ultimately, if you find yourself overeating, wishing you didn't, and feeling negatively about yourself as a result, it's a significant concern worth addressing. Let's explore some common traits associated with binge eating.

5 emotions often associated with binge eating and how they might sound:

1. Shame and guilt: “I have absolutely zero self-control. I told myself I would not binge today and once again I failed. Why can’t I just have more willpower?”

2. Increased anxiety and stress: “Here I go again compounding the stress I'm already under by wasting time and indulging myself in something I’m going to regret.”

3. Loneliness and isolation: “Ugh, now I’m going to be way too full and uncomfortable to go to my friend's birthday dinner.”

4. Depression and hopelessness: “I’m never going to be able to have a normal relationship when I can’t control my eating, hate the way I look.”

5. Loss of control and powerlessness: “Well, now that I've eaten that cookie, breaking the promise I made to myself, I've already ruined my fresh start, so just going to keep indulging."

5 common reasons people binge eat:

1. Emotional distress: Turning to food can be a way to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom. Food can provide temporary relief from these uncomfortable feelings and serve as a form of self-soothing or emotional regulation.

2. Dieting and restriction: Individuals who deprive themselves of certain foods, or food groups or go too long restricting will usually experience intense cravings as well as food noise leading to overeating or bingeing on "forbidden" foods.

3. Genetics and negative body image: Genetics play a role in body size and if it doesn’t fit the perfect ideal it can result in lifelong negative body image. It may seem counterintuitive, but this can drive people to feel helpless in changing their bodies and to seek temporary comfort in food.

4. Environmental triggers: External cues in the environment, such as the sight or smell of food, social gatherings, watching others eat, or having too many food options, can trigger episodes of binge eating.

5. Underlying psychological issues: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, prior trauma, or low self-esteem can all contribute to a dysfunctional relationship with food and body image that manifests into binge eating.

5 ways the body may react to binge eating:

1. Digestive discomfort: Consuming large quantities of food in a short period can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to discomfort such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and stomach pain.

2. Weight gain: Beyond the obvious increase in weight that might result, binge eating often leads to a rapid change because binge foods tend to be high in calories and fats.

3. Fatigue and lethargy: After a binge, the body's efforts to digest and metabolize the large amount of food consumed, as well as fluctuations in blood sugar levels result in fatigue and lethargy.

4. Fluid retention: Binge eating leads to fluid retention, causing temporary swelling and bloating, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.

5. Increased risk of health complications: Chronic binge eating can have long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, infertility, and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, the cycle of binge eating followed by feelings of guilt and shame can also contribute to the worsening of mental health issues.

If you find this relatable, consider sharing it with a loved one who may struggle to grasp your emotions. Additionally, you might be feeling hopeless and seeking practical tools rather than a simple recap of familiar information. I hear you….

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