Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 2.8 million people at some point in their lifetime. Despite this, it is also the most un-diagnosed eating disorder. People often don’t recognize their actions as an eating disorder and may blame themselves or situations for overeating on a regular basis. This can lead to a lot of guilt and shame, feeling out of control with food or being unhappy with their relationship with food and negative self-talk. This in turn, leads back into undesired behaviors with food. So, what is a binge and how do you know if you have Binge Eating Disorder?
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) describes a binge as eating much faster than usual, eating until you are uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when you aren’t physically hungry, eating alone because of the embarrassment of others seeing how much you eat and feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after eating.
BED may be diagnosed if someone is experiencing 3 or more of these binge behaviors, the behaviors are recurrent and persistent, someone has distress over their eating behaviors, and they are not doing any other behaviors such as self-induced-vomiting or over exercising to compensate for their eating.
A common myth or stereotype…That BED isn’t a dangerous eating disorder or isn’t a ‘big deal.’
EVERY eating disorder is deadly, dangerous, and life altering. BED can put someone at a serious health risk, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure or other heart problems. There is also a huge psychological component behind BED, putting people at risk for anxiety, depression and substance use/abuse.
It is also important to keep in mind that not everyone with binge eating disorder is overweight. Remember, you can’t tell a person’s behaviors or habits by what they look like.
If you are struggling with your relationship with food and question your eating behaviors, take the first step and reach out to the appropriate professionals for help. The first step is often the hardest! Treatment for any eating disorder can be difficult, but the benefits of feeling better about yourself and making food just a small part of your day, not most of it, are worth it! Working with a Registered Dietitian who specializes in eating disorders can help you improve your relationship with yourself and food, reach out to one today.
Article by Kim Collins, MS, RDN, CDCES, CEDS-S
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist,Certified Eating Disorders Specialist & Supervisor
You can find more about her amazing work or schedule with her right here! www.sinnergywellnessgroup.com/kim
Want to read even more about BED? Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed
