Binge Eating Disorder (BED): A Dietitian's Take on a Misunderstood Eating Disorder

Learn about binge eating disorder, its signs, symptoms, and strategies for recovery. The Eating Disorder Space is here to support your journey towards a healthy relationship with food and your body.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common and serious condition that can have a significant impact on one's physical and mental health. In this blog post, we'll delve into understanding binge eating disorder, its signs, symptoms, and effective strategies for recovery.

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming amounts of food beyond what is considered "normal" to eat in one sitting, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. Individuals with BED typically feel a lack of control during these episodes and experience intense shame or guilt afterward. Unlike bulimia nervosa, they do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise after the binges.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Frequent Episodes of Binging:

People with BED often consume food beyond the point of comfortable fullness in a short period, usually within two hours. Frequency of binge eating episodes per the DSM-5 is at least 1 day per week for at least 3 months.

2. Lack of Control:

During a binge episode, individuals feel a sense of loss of control over their eating. They often feel as though they cannot stop even if they want to.

3. Emotional Distress:

Binge eating is often followed by emotional distress, guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy.

4. Eating Alone:

Individuals with BED may eat in secret or isolate themselves out of embarrassment or to avoid judgment or criticism from others.

Strategies for Recovery

1. Seek Professional Help:

Reach out for support from a team of providers that understands eating disorders. This team should include a dietitian and a therapist along with other medical professionals as needed. They can provide personalized guidance and support. Seek out providers that are Health at Every Size aligned and take an anti-diet approach to care.

2. Stop Restricting Food Intake:

Restriction often drives binge eating episodes. Collaborate with a registered dietitian to help you create structure around eating, help you meet your nutritional needs, and help you normalize eating patterns.

3. Mindful Eating:

Mindful eating has become quite a buzz word in the wellness space and can often even be used to encourage restrictive habits. However, being mindful during meals by checking in with your hunger and fullness levels before, during, and after meals can help you better recognize what feels satisfying for you. This can help you develop a better relationship with food and enjoy your meals more the more you practice it.

4. Find a Supportive Community

This can look like relying on friends or family that make you feel seen or heard. Or this can look like joining support groups where you can connect with others who are in your shoes. Either way, finding a space where you feel safe opening up about your struggles can take the shame out of what your are experiencing.

Conclusion:

Recovery from binge eating disorder is possible with the right support and strategies in place. At The Eating Disorder Space, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome their struggles with disordered eating or an eating disorder and achieve a peaceful relationship with food. If you or someone you know is battling binge eating disorder, reach out to us for compassionate guidance and personalized treatment.

Remember, healing is a journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone. Together, we can work towards food freedom.