Are You Suffering From Binge-Eating Disorder?

A large portion of individuals exhibiting disordered eating behaviours do not fit into the well-known categories of anorexia or bulimia. This led researchers and practitioners to propose a third category; binge-eating disorder. Binge-eating disorder is characterised by episodes of stress-induced eating binges.

Despite it being up to three times more common than other eating disorders, it remains highly stigmatised and misunderstood.

What is binge-eating disorder?

By definition, binge-eating disorder is recurrent episodes of binge eating. Often the sufferer enters a state of ‘trance’ when engaging in this behaviour, unable to stop themselves from consuming large amounts of food. Many people report a loss of control when the behaviour is active, accompanied by significant psychological distress, such as shame and guilt.

The disorder mainly occurs in the late teens or early 20s and largely affects women, compared to men. Although, it can still affect anyone at any age.

What are the causes & risk factors?

A combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors contribute to the onset of binge-eating disorder. Researchers suggest the disorder tends to run in families. This may be due to shared attitudes towards food and body image, genetic similarities or a stressful living environment. Additionally, being subject to negative comments about one’s physique or eating habits during childhood can increase the likelihood of developing this disorder.

Society’s ideals of ‘beauty’ are something we’re all subject to constantly in our day-to-day lives. With the growing popularity of social media and body-contouring apps, ideas of beauty and thinness are becoming more and more unrealistic and pose a great health risk to those captured by its grips. Negative body image and psychological distress are being constantly reinforced.

A large majority of individuals suffering from binge-eating disorder also have a history of trauma, neglect and other mental health disorders. These include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and poor impulse control. Many people fall into binge-eating as a coping mechanism for loneliness and poor self-esteem.

Poor eating habits can perpetuate the disorder. We’re products of ancestors who were subject to ongoing periods of famine. This evolved our taste buds to prefer foods high in fat and sugar (a combination seen in many popular processed foods and rarely in nature) to sustain us. The food industry exploits this notion, making us far more likely to reach for a decadent chocolate bar over steamed vegetables. This constant exposure to calorie-dense and nutrient-poor foods puts our bodies in a state of starvation. We may not feel physically hungry, but our bodies are depleted of vital nutrients that it tries to obtain during episodes of bingeing.

How is it treated?

Binge-eating is a complex disorder and treatment varies from individual to individual. I highly recommend seeking help from a trusted and knowledgeable healthcare practitioner to determine which course of treatment is right for you. With committed work and dedication, this disorder can be overcome.

If you’re struggling with this disorder, get in touch. I would love to help you.