What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge-eating disorder (BED) involves regularly consuming large amounts of food, often accompanied by a sense of losing control over eating behavior. These occurrences typically happen at least once a week over three months. Skipping meals or following strict diets can worsen these patterns, leading to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and distorted body image, especially when eating beyond comfort levels. These behaviors contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food that affects both physical and mental well-being.

BED has primary behaviors of individuals with BED eating large amounts of food because they feel unable to stop, BED can also have behaviors from other eating disorders like restricting before binging or binging then purging. Those with multiple behaviors might be diagnosed with OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) and can still have BED happening as well. While we all engage in occasional overeating and have experienced feeling uncomfortably full, especially during holidays, regular episodes may signal BED and can be concerning.

You might be wondering what are some symptoms of binge eating disorder, although these may vary depending on the individual, some common signs include:

Struggling with feeling out of control around certain foods, leading to binge-eating episodes.
Overeating to the extent of feeling uncomfortably full or even sick, yet finding it challenging to stop.
Consuming large amounts of food when not physically hungry
Eating alone or in secret, hiding food
Experiencing feelings of distress, shame, or guilt during or after eating
Feeling emotionally numb while binge-eating and experiencing shame afterward

What causes binge eating?

The cause of BED is complex and not fully understood. It’s believed to be influenced by various factors including genetics, biology, behavior, psychology, and social experiences. This encompasses body image, self-esteem, family health history, and other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Research from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, suggests that people with BED may turn to overeating as a coping mechanism for uncomfortable feelings and emotions, such as anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety, or stress. Triggers that initiate this behavior vary from person to person.

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What is Binge Eating Disorder - All Bodies are Good Bodies

How to Treat Binge Eating Disorder

Firstly, we want to emphasize that binge eating is not about willpower; it’s a biological response that your body’s basic needs aren’t being met, including a joyful and peaceful relationship with food. That’s why the focus of treatment is on cultivating healthy, consistent eating patterns.

Since Binge Eating Disorder impacts individuals differently, its treatment involves a team effort with various eating disorder specialists such as psychiatrists, medical doctors, therapists, and registered dietitians. The duration of treatment varies from person to person and may include a range of strategies such as:

Psychotherapy encompasses various techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy. CBT involves discussions with a therapist to explore the connections between negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to eating, body image, and weight. After identifying these patterns, strategies are developed to foster positive changes. In contrast, interpersonal psychotherapy is a shorter-term approach lasting about 12-16 weeks. It focuses on reshaping food as a coping mechanism for negative emotions by addressing ongoing conflicts and stressors in your life. Psychotherapy is a crucial part of the treatment plan as it delves into deeper emotional issues and potential triggers for binge eating, such as past trauma, emotional detachment, or using binging as a way to cope with unaddressed emotions.
Nutrition Counseling, collaborating with a dietitian is a crucial part of the treatment process. Their expertise goes beyond just restoring a healthy relationship with food; they also address any nutrition deficiencies that could be contributing to binge eating, such as cravings. Through personalized guidance, they provide essential nutrition education, helping you understand the nutritional value of foods and how they impact your well-being. Additionally, they provide meal support and create a safe space where you can explore and enjoy meals without judgment, reducing stress and anxiety commonly associated with eating. By understanding the role of nutrition in your body, you can develop a more mindful approach to eating, focusing on nourishment rather than restriction.
Family Based Therapy, involves the patient and their family working together with a healthcare provider, like a dietitian or therapist. It’s especially effective in helping children and teens with eating disorders. Everyone in the family, including parents and siblings, joins in to learn about and support healthy thoughts and behaviors related to food and nutrition. While it does require commitment and teamwork, the positive impact it can have on recovery is truly meaningful.
Medication is sometimes needed in certain cases to reduce symptoms in some individuals. This is something that is individual and will need to contact a medical doctor to learn more about.

If you would like to learn more about how Nutrition Braved can treat binge eating disorder, please call 630-474-5321. There, one of our knowledgeable representatives can discuss your needs in more detail and can answer your questions. To send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page, and we will contact you shortly.

How does a Dietitian Help with BED?

Working with a dietitian plays a crucial part in treating binge eating disorder. While therapists support the psychological aspects of BED, dietitians provide the necessary tools to develop a positive relationship with food, thus putting you back in control.

One of the key benefits of working with a dietitian is their ability to help individuals with binge eating understand and respond to body signals. Dietitians work with patients to become more attuned to their bodies. This involves identifying and distinguishing between hunger and emotional cues that could lead to binge eating episodes. In return, patients develop a more mindful eating approach towards foods which helps to prevent binge eating.

Dietitians also provide support in challenging negative food thoughts. While many people with BED struggle with feelings of guilt and shame related to their eating habits, others may also struggle with body image. A dietitian can provide guidance and support in reframing these thoughts, helping individuals develop a more positive attitude towards both food and themselves.

Meal planning and grocery shopping can also commonly be a struggle. Dietitians help individuals with BED in these scenarios by providing practical solutions and tips around meal planning that incorporate an all foods fit mentality. While this establishes a more balanced approach towards food, it also minimizes their stress and supports their well-being.

Overall, it’s important to team up and receive care from various medical professionals to obtain the best comprehensive care for BED. The team of care providers will be able to provide expertise and guidance in developing the skills and mindset needed to cultivate positive relationships with food and help to overcome binge eating disorder. If you are looking for ongoing support and encouragement throughout your recovery process, check out the eating disorder dietitians at Nutrition Braved. We provide a welcoming and judgment-free space for patients to share their challenges and successes and will cheer you on every step of the way.