Binge Eating Disorder 

Facts and the path to recovery

Most people occasionally overindulge in food, particularly during the holidays, when we celebrate our cultural customs by indulging in Grammy’s renowned turkey and mashed potatoes. Alternatively, we indulge in a crazy takeaway and (virtually) binge-eating weekend. However, an eating disorder—more significantly, a binge eating disorder—is not the same as a propensity for overeating.

Overeating is only one aspect of binge eating disorder. Due to an unhealthy relationship with food, this condition causes a person to compulsively overeat or binge to hide other feelings of discomfort or shame. Furthermore, it’s a severe medical condition that impacts people’s self-esteem, body image, and health; as such, it requires support, care, and expert assistance.

A Brief Synopsis of Compulsive Eating Disorder

• Individuals with eating disorders are most likely to be between the ages of 16 and 40.

• Anorexia nervosa affects about 10% of individuals with eating disorders.

• Anorexia nervosa typically manifests at 16 or 17 years old.

• Bulimia nervosa affects 40% of individuals with eating disorders.

• The typical onset age of bulimia nervosa is between the ages of 18 and 19.

• The remaining patients have eating disorders that fall under the BED or OSFED categories.

• Studies indicate that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders themselves in comparison to those without such a history.

• Among psychiatric disorders, eating disorders have the highest mortality rates.

• Of all psychiatric disorders, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among adolescents.

• An individual’s chances of recovery are higher the earlier they receive treatment for an eating disorder.

These UK eating disorder statistics are compiled using information from Anorexia and Bulimia Care and Beat.

What makes any of that significant? Because binge eating is a common eating disorder that can be treated in the UK. You deserve health and happiness, and you are not alone.

Binge eating disorder: What is it?

Compulsive or frequent overeating, a loss of control over eating, and clinically significant distress are characteristics of the mental health condition known as binge eating disorder.

Individuals suffering from binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviours such as inducing vomiting, overexerting themselves, or abusing laxatives, unlike those with bulimia nervosa, which also involves binge eating. Someone may have bulimia nervosa rather than binge eating disorder if they experience binges and then use any of the copingmechanisms to make up for it.

How Common Is Binge Eating Disorder?

In the UK, an estimated 1.25 to 3.4 million people suffer from an eating disorder. Men make up about 25% of those with eating disorders. The majority of eating disorders occur in adolescence, though they can also strike adults in their 70s and children as young as 6.

Some facts:

ï Individuals with eating disorders are most likely to be between the ages of 16 and 40.

ï Anorexia nervosa affects about 10% of individuals with eating disorders.

ï Anorexia nervosa typically manifests at 16 or 17 years old.

ï Bulimia nervosa affects 40% of individuals with eating disorders.

ï The typical onset age of bulimia nervosa is between the ages of 18 and 19.

ï The remaining patients have eating disorders that fall under the BED or OSFED categories.

ï Studies indicate that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders themselves in comparison to those without such a history.

ï Among psychiatric disorders, eating disorders have the highest mortality rates.

ï Of all psychiatric disorders, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among adolescents.

ï An individual’s chances of recovery are higher the earlier they receive treatment for an eating disorder.

These UK eating disorder statistics were compiled using information from Anorexia and Bulimia Care and Beat.

What makes any of that significant? Because binge eating is a common eating disorder that can be treated in the UK. You deserve health and happiness, and you are not alone.

Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms and Signs

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists the following as indications and symptoms of binge eating disorder:

• Recurrent binge-eating episodes 

• A feeling of losing control over one’s ability to stop eating

ï Eating alone or covertly because of embarrassment or shame; feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overindulging; eating until uncomfortable or after someone is already complete.

Effects of Binge Eating Disorder on Emotions and Behaviours

Binge eating can have negative consequences on a person’s mental health, quality of life, and relationships. It can also be associated with specific behavioural effects that point to a disorder. 

Among the behaviours and patterns associated with binge eating are: 

• Refusing to eat in front of others out of fear of indulging in binges 

• Hiding food stashes and secret meals or binges

• Withdrawing from friends and activities

• Excessive preoccupation with body image and weight 

• Repetitive fasting and dieting

• Weight fluctuations

• Low self-esteem and negative body image perceptions

• Dietary failures and other disruptive eating behaviours

Why Seek Treatment for Compulsive Overeating?

Distinguishing between episodes of binge eating and regular overeating can be challenging. Seeking advice from a health professional or specialist with training and experience in eating disorders who can differentiate between various forms of disordered eating is incredibly beneficial.

Furthermore, it is common for eating disorders to co-occur with medical issues, so working with a medical physician and mental health specialist to properly diagnose and treat those issues is crucial for long-term health and happiness. Possible health complications include 

• Obesity and associated issues

• Acid reflux

• Heart disease

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Joint issues

What an Eating Disorder Specialist Teaches You 

Binge eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are characterised by binge eating, which can lead to intense and persistent emotions of shame or disgust. A person may experience shame about their eating habits even after realising that their binges and behaviours are uncontrollable. Speaking with a reputable medical professional or eating disorder specialist can start a person’s journey towards self-awareness and empathy for their eating disorder.

Here, a person can also discover new information about what triggers them and new perspectives on their condition and how to manage it. Using methods such as cognitive-behaviouraltherapy, an individual can consciously and healthily control eating episodes or binges. Frequently employed talk therapy methods, whether one-on-one or in groups consist of:

ï Dialectical behavioural therapy

ï Interpersonal psychotherapy,

ï Acceptance and commitment therapy

ï Cognitive-behavioural therapy

ï Online and phone teletherapy availability is expanding, increasing accessibility to care

Exercises at Home and Recovering from Binge Eating

A few at-home techniques can help people manage their eating and reduce cravings, in addition to counselling:

• Eat frequently and don’t miss any meals

• Steer clear of diets

• Engage in yoga poses and mindfulness practices

• Drink plenty of water

• Record your eating habits and meals in a food and mood journal

• Look for and depend on a network of social support

What You Should Know About Binge Eating Disorder

• Overeating and the medical condition of binge eating are not the same thing

• Eating disorders, such as binge eating, are prevalent and curable

• The symptoms affect relationships and behaviour in addition to eating

• Compulsive eating is a medical condition that frequently calls for medical intervention

• There is no shame associated with having an eating disorder or mental health issue, and binges are not a character flaw

If you’ve observed unhealthy eating habits or think you might have an eating disorder, please see a professional for guidance and appropriate care. All kinds of disorders are prevalent. Whether you have bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, please don’t feel ashamed of it, and don’t let it interfere with your happiness, career, or self-worth. There is always help available.

If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction-related issue, call Freephone at 0800 140 4044