What is BED: According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Binge eating disorder (BED) is a severe, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder characterized by:
Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, while also feeling a loss of control during the binge.
Experiencing shame, distress, or guilt after a binge.
Not using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating.
Why Does BED Develop and Who is at Risk?
While there is not one specific cause for BED, there are a few risk factors that make some people more susceptible:
Chronic Dieting: Binge Eating Disorder is one of the many negative consequences of restrictive dieting. The younger someone starts “dieting,” the higher their chance of developing BED. Restricting calories (aka dieting), can trigger a binge, especially in those who have symptoms of depression.
Negative Body Image: Feelings of negative self-worth can increase the risk for a binge, which is often triggered by stress, feelings of sadness, or emotional distress.
Family history: There is a genetic link between family history and all eating disorders.
BED is more common in women: In the US, 3.6% of women experience BED at some point in their lives, compared to 2.0% of men.
Emotional Trauma: Abuse, death, family separation, bullying, or other stressful life events can increase risk factors for BED.
BED usually begins in late teens or early 20s: While BED can develop at any age, it most commonly begins in late teens and early 20s. With an increased focus on diet trends and picture-perfect social media profiles, teens are more susceptible to using food as a coping mechanism to manage emotions. The sooner one receives support, the sooner they will be on the road to recovery.
Health Risks of Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating can be related to a variety of physical, emotional, and social issues. Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, are strongly linked to being overweight and obese. BED can also impact one’s mental and emotional health, resulting in higher rates of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Finally, BED can interfere with social relationships and engagements.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
If you are concerned about either yourself or a loved one who might be struggling with BED, here are some common signs and symptoms that might indicate there is an issue and it may be time to seek out professional help.
Going through large amounts of food in short periods of time
Stashes of empty wrappers and containers
Appears or feels uncomfortable eating around others
Avoidance of eating in public or with others
Hoards food in odd places
Carves out time in the schedule for a binge session
Withdraws from usual friends and activities
Always appears to be on a diet and has an extreme interest with body weight and shape
Feelings of shame, embarrassment, depression, or guilt after overeating
Never feeling satisfied, no matter how much food is consumed
Extreme fluctuations in weight, both up and down
Stomach cramps or other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints
Treatment: Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder is a multidimensional approach with a treatment team that includes a physician, registered dietitian, and therapist trained in BED.
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