World Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Binge-Eating Disorder, or BED, is characterised by
Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterised by:
Eating, in a discrete period of time (within any 2-hr period) an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode
The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after a binge
Marked distress regarding the binge eating
The binge occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months
The binge eating is not associated with recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviours (as in BN) and does not occur exclusively during the course of BN or AN
Warning signs
A GP may be the first person to become aware of the symptoms of BED. People may present with apparently unrelated symptoms. A person with a history of weight fluctuation and dieting for weight control, may present requesting information about surgical approaches to weight management. They may be concealing binge eating behaviour which will only be revealed through sensitive enquiry.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of BED
Most of the physical signs and symptoms associated with Binge Eating Disorder are long-term, and these can include:
Weight gain, often leading to obesity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Chronic kidney problems or kidney failure
Osteoarthritis
Diabetes
Stroke
Complications during pregnancy
Gallbladder disease
Irregular menstrual cycle
Skin disorders
Heart disease
Psychological Indicators and Effects
Difficulties with activities which involve food which may lead to self-imposed isolation
Low self esteem and embarrassment over physical appearance
Feeling extremely distressed, upset and anxious during and after a binge episode
Fear of the disapproval of others
Self harm or suicide attempts
Overly sensitive to references about weight or appearance
Guilt, self disgust, self loathing
Anxiety
Depression
Behavioural Impact
An overwhelming sense of lack of control regarding eating behaviour
Eating more rapidly than normal
Periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating whereby a person may consume many thousands of calories, often to the point of feeling unbearably full
Eating when not physically hungry
Repeated episodes of binge eating which often results in feelings of shame or guilt
Eating in secret
Avoiding social situations, particularly those involving food.
Eating ‘normal’ quantities in social settings, and gorging when alone
Recovery from BED is possible with the right support. If you're worried about yourself or someone you love, contact your GP, CAMHS or email info@aedraeatingdiosrdercentre.com