Binge Eating Disorder
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter binge eating. Many individuals with binge eating disorder struggle with emotional eating and experience the effects of stigma from healthcare providers, especially when in larger bodies. Even though individuals struggling with binge eating disorder can have many relatable eating disorder thoughts as those with other eating disorders, they may be hesitant to seek treatment at least partially due to the misperception of their struggles. At Shoreline, we approach care through the lens of Health At Every Size (HAES) and The Body Positive in order to promote acceptance of oneself regardless of body size, as well as, further exploration of underlying contributors to eating disorder behaviors.
Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms and Warning Signs
- Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time.
- Feeling out of control when eating
- Feeling depressed, guilty, or disgusted by eating behavior.
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating alone because of embarassment over quantities consumed
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Stealing or collecting food and keeping it in unconventional places
- Rearranging schedule or life events to make time to binge eat
We are here to help.
About Binge Eating Disorder
- The prevalence of BED is estimated to be approximately 1-5% of the general population.
- Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men–estimates indicate that about 60% of people struggling with binge eating disorder are female, 40% are male
- People who struggle with binge eating disorder can be of normal or heavier than average weight.
- BED is often associated with symptoms of depression.
- People struggling with binge eating disorder often express distress, shame, and guilt over their eating behaviors.
- People with binge eating disorder report a lower quality of life than non-binge eating disorder.
Overview of Binge Eating Disorder
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch, LCSW, discusses binge eating disorder and how Shoreline approaches treatment.
Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder often results in many of the same health risks associated with weight cycling. Some of the potential health consequences of binge eating disorder include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels
- Type II diabetes mellitus
- Gallbladder disease
