Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder
People suffering from binge eating disorder feel an uncontrollable urge to overeat on a regular basis by bingeing. Unlike sufferers of bulimia they do not use any purging methods to prevent a gain in weight, though they may restrict their food intake in-between binges. They are likely to have fluctuating weight and to become overweight.
They feel out of control of their eating, and their secret bingeing behaviour adds to their sense of personal disgust and distress.
The diagnostic criteria used by the NHS:
Recurrent episodes of binge eating
Eating a larger amount of food than normal during a short period of time (within two hours)
Feeling a lack of control over eating during the binge episode
Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating alone or in secret
Feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after overeating
Marked distress about their binge eating
Binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week over 3 months
The binge eating is not followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviour (i.e. purging, excessive exercise)
Symptoms include:
Weight gain through a compulsion to overeat
Range from normal weight through to extreme obesity
The health problems related to obesity, e.g. diabetes, heart problems, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure
Binges triggered by anxiety, depression sadness, anger, boredom, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem
For some, continual food craving/continual grazing on food
Some observable signs:
Rapid weight gain or obesity
Frequently eats an abnormal amount of food in a short period of time
Does not use methods to purge food
Eats rapidly (may swallow without chewing)
Feels a lack of control over eating - unable to stop
Eating alone
Eating in secret, late at night
Disgust, guilt and shame with self after overeating
Embarrassment about feeling unattractive
Hoarding and hiding food/stashing food in various locations
Creating rituals and buying “special” binge food, e.g. high calorie/junk food
Social isolation, avoiding social situations involving food
Depression and anxiety