Binge Eating Disorder

Everyone overeats on occasion. But some people lose control while eating. It becomes a regular occurrence; a way to deal with emotions. It might cross the line to Binge Eating Disorder. Binge Eating Disorder affects people of all shapes and sizes. According to the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA):

Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting more people than anorexia or bulimia.

Facts about Binge Eating Disorder

Emotional and behavioral signs your loved one may have Binge Eating Disorder according to the National Eating Disorder Association:

Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or lots of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food.
Appears uncomfortable eating around others
Any new practice with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism)
Fear of eating in public or with others
Steals or hoards food in strange places
Creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge sessions
Withdraws from usual friends and activities
Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten
Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating
Fluctuations in weight
Feelings of low self-esteem

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Why Can’t I Stop Eating?

Possible Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

Factors that may increase your risk of binge eating include: (nhs.uk)

Having low self-esteem and a lack of confidence
Depression or anxiety
Feelings of stress, anger, boredom or loneliness
Dissatisfaction with your body and feeling pressure to be thin
Stressful or traumatic events in your past
Family history of eating disorders

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

People with binge-eating disorder lose control over their eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, periods of binge-eating are not followed by purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. As a result, people with binge-eating disorder often are overweight or obese. Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. From the National Institute of Mental Health:

Binge eating is diagnosed when a person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time and feels a loss of control. And additionally a person meets 3 of the following: