Common Signs of Binge Eating Disorder You Should Know

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by compulsive binge eating. Though it is socially acceptable to indulge in foods occasionally, BED is a chronic condition that can indeed be troublesome and quite out of one’s control and it impacts a person psychologically, emotionally and physically. As a psychologist, I have seen patients who use the following words to describe their binge eating: eating copious amounts of food within a short period and experiencing a powerful urge to continue eating despite one’s desire to stop.

Prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder in the U.S. and Europe

Binge eating disorder is the most common form of eating disorder and it contributes to about nearly half of all the cases. In the United States it is present in approximately 3% of the population and is not racially or ethnically exclusive. The disease is seen more in women and females as compared to men and male, in the ratio of 3:2. However, it is relatively frequent in teenagers as opposed to adults Binge eating disorder is not rare in Europe, but its frequency differs between countries. Research also shows that lifetime prevalence of BED is 1-3% in European countries, which is almost on par with the USA figures. Similar to the case in the USA, BED is more prevalent in women and the youthful population among clients receiving the diagnosis in Europe. Such findings indicate that this is such a prevalent disorder and stresses the need to diagnose it amongst various groups of people. Being a psychologist, I witness the devastation that BED causes in people’s lives, and it is essential to offer help and therapies to these persons.

Recognizing Binge Eating Disorder

Being a psychologist I have worked with many patients, who suffer from binge eating disorder (BED) and this disorder is not limited to overweight people. If you are suffering from BED, it is possible that you have negative feelings about your body weight or your shape regardless of your weight.

When diagnosing BED, the symptoms can be diverse; however, they usually include the sense of lack of control during the episodes of eating. You may consume a significantly higher quantity of food than you normally take in a day, in a span of two hours, and keep eating even if you are full or not hungry at all. During a binge, you could consume a large amount of food in a very short time and eat even when uncomfortably full and you may binge alone or in secret because of the embarrassment. Subsequently, depressed, disgusted, shameful, guilty or upset emotions are often experienced.

In contrast to the bulimia nervosa, the people with the BED do not purge by vomiting, by the help of laxatives or by exercising after binging. Instead of this, they might attempt to offset this by reducing food intake or eating less during the day, which results in binge eating.

To understand if you might have BED, ask yourself the following questions

• Do you often gorge on food and eat to your heart’s content within a limited time span and feel like you cannot control yourself?
• When you overeat do you experience things such as shame, guilt, or regret?
• Have you ever found yourself eating even when you do not feel like eating?
• Are you ashamed of how much you eat and that is why you prefer to eat alone?

These are the signs of BED that alert one when he or she is headed towards this disorder. If your answer to some of these questions is positive, it is recommended to consult a health care provider for an assessment. Binge eating disorder may fluctuate and can last for several years if not diagnosed and treated, however, knowing the symptoms is the beginning to a healthier future.

Most Common Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

If you’re struggling with binge eating disorder (BED), you might notice several recurring patterns in your eating behavior

• Guzzling food till you feel stuffed, frequently eating without being conscious of the quantity or the feeling of fullness.
• Taking a lot of food even when not hungry or even after eating, usually as a result of stress. This eating is usually done in solitude and in the cover of darkness, and one does not take this food in the presence of other people because he or she feels ashamed.
• Arranging your timetable with eating binges and concealing foods to eat them later in secret.
• Obsessing about food, craving certain food items and making multiple attempts of dieting which may result in weight changes.
• Suffering from guilt, shame, remorse, and self-esteem problems concerning your eating behaviors.

These behaviors are worsened by factors such as stress and relationships; they can cause occasional disordered eating to turn into a diagnosable disorder when they happen frequently (once a week). It is vital to identify these signs because they may be associated with the deterioration of your mental state and general health. If you relate to these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a professional to help you deal with BED.

What Causes the Urge?

The urge to binge eat is influenced by a combination of psychological, biological, and learned factors. Triggers for binge eating can vary from person to person. For some, eating releases pleasure hormones in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can foster addictive tendencies. For others, binge eating serves as a means to escape or numb uncomfortable emotions or to compensate for unmet needs. This complex interplay of influences makes binge eating a highly individualized behavior.

When to See a Psychologist

It is recommended to consult with your doctor if you are suffering from the signs of binge eating disorder. Share your signs and moods with a doctor or a psychologist. If you are ashamed of your eating behavior and afraid to tell a doctor, you can share your problem with your friend, teacher, family member, or a priest. They can be a source of encouragement as you begin the process of managing this eating disorder and seeking the best treatment.

Another option is to consult a specialist with eating disorders or an organization dedicated to them as you will be talking to a person who knows what it is like.

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