Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. This eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. Many will describe a feeling of loss of control during the binge that results in shame, distress and guilt afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Despite the misconception that eating disorders only affect young, white females, eating disorders do not discriminate. Binge eating disorder can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities. Binge eating disorder is the most common in the United States despite being stigmatized.
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A binge is behavior that happens within a certain period of time that would be a larger quantity than most people would eat during a similar period fo time, under similar circumstances. Many will describe binging as a time they feel they lose control over eating and are unable to stop eating.
You may feel you eat more rapidly than normal during a binge, or eat until you are uncomfortably full. You may eat when you are not physically hungry.
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Each person will have a unique journey to recover from their eating disorder. Working with a therapist will allow you to understand the role of your eating disorder and to learn how to cope healthily without relying on your disordered behaviors. Additionally, you may work with a physician, psychiatrist, and/or dietitian to address all areas of your wellbeing.
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Therapy can be a beneficial resource for many people, but is especially helpful for those in recovery from an eating disorder. While there are many reasons, some of the main ones include understanding the factors that led to the development of their eating disorder, treating co-occurring condition such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, developing a better self-esteem and building confidence, addressing body image concerns, address family issues and strengthen relationships, and building coping skills to maintain recovery.
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Yes, absolutely! We are happy to work with clients stepping down from higher level of care that are looking for support to continue their recovery journey.
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Meeting with a therapist and discussing the thoughts and behaviors you are experiencing is the first step to diagnosing an eating disorder.
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Binge eating disorder and bulimia are similar in that they both involve the behavior of binging. The difference is that binge eating disorder does not involve the use of compensatory behaviors such as purging. Both are extremely distressing and worthy of support and recovery.
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Binge eating disorder is not that simple. Addressing the reason the eating disorder behaviors exist and addressing any other contributors is extremely important. To many, dieting may seem like the answer to this problematic behavior, but in reality, dieting typically worsens binging behavior.
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Eating disorders including binge eating disorder are believed to result from a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. A useful way of thinking about what causes an eating disorder is to distinguish predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors that contribute to its onset and maintenance.
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Simply finding yourself on this page means there may be a small part of you that may be ready to recover. We welcome you to book an appointment with one of our therapists to discuss where you are and provide an opportunity to explore what recovery means and what you may be fearful of.
Signs of Binge Eating Disorder:
Preoccupation with and extreme concern with food, weight, body image
Experiencing a loss of control over ability to stop eating
Lifestyle changes to make time for binge sessions
Disruption of normal eating behaviors such as eating throughout the day with no planned mealtimes, skipping meals, or taking small portions of foods at regular meals
Feelings of disgust, depression or guilt after overeating
Frequently dieting
Stealing or hoarding food in strange places
Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or lots of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food
Irritability, withdrawn, and can often experience mood shifts
Fear of eating in public or with others
Ready to explore recovery?
Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our therapists. Let’s work together to help you navigate recovery so you can be more connected to yourself, others, and the life you want to live.