Binge eating disorder (BED) is a severe but treatable eating disorder characterized by intermittent episodes of excessive overeating. Binge eating disorder is an incredibly misunderstood disorder, with the onset being falsely attributed to a lack of willpower or self-restraint. Treatment for this disorder is vastly more complex than simply willing oneself to “just stop eating!” In reality, binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness that requires treatment from a specialized eating disorder treatment team.

by: Enchi Dai

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘eating disorders’?

Taylor Swift?

Lady Gaga?

These celebrities are brave for speaking out about their personal struggles with food. However, it is also important to acknowledge that Eating Disorders do not just affect women who are underweight, it affects all sizes and genders. Today, we are going to talk about binge eating disorder (BED), which has a higher prevalence rate than anorexia and bulimia nervosa, but is rarely touched upon in the media.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent consumption of unusually large amounts of food in one sitting, with a feeling that the eating behavior is out of control. Unlike Bulimia, individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder do not conduct compensatory behaviors like vomiting, over-exercising, or fasting. For this reason, binge eating disorder is commonly associated with, or leads to, weight gain. Therefore, not only stereotypical ‘thin’ populations, but people of all sizes are at risk of developing disordered eating, leading to clinical eating disorders.

Defining characteristics of Binge Eating Disorder are:

Eating more rapidly than normal
Eating until uncomfortably full
Eating when not hungry
Eating alone because of embarrassment of the quantity eaten
Feeling intense distress (guilt, disgust, or depression) after eating

Why Can’t I Just Stop Binge Eating?

It is understandable to feel the urge to question ourselves when binge eating happens. There seems to be a very simple solution—just stop eating.

How hard is that?

Well, hard as HELL. One thing we have to understand is that binge eating is not a sign of a lack of discipline or volition. In fact, biological, psychological, and societal/cultural factors all play a bigger part in the feeling of losing control during binge-eating episodes.

Biological Influences

Biological influences such as genetics have an undeniable role in the development of binge eating disorder. Twin studies have shown unequivocal support for the idea that there is a genetic influence for binge eating disorders, with the heritability estimates ranging from 41%-57%. Not only limited to genetics, there are also many hormones that contribute to the biochemical process of regulating appetite. Therefore, hormonal irregularities may also have a major effect on this disruptive eating behavior.

Psychological Influences

Research has indicated that there is a significant association between depression and binge eating (Wheeler, Greiner, & Boulton, 2005). Negative emotions, such as stress, anger, low confidence, or even boredom can possibly trigger binge-eating episodes.

Social and Cultural Influences

Western social values often associate ‘slimness’ with the cultural image of success. This underlying mindset results in people in the west feeling dissatisfied with their bodies and the start of restrictive diets. By depriving the body of sufficient energy for a long period of time, we alter our brain’s innate responses to hunger and food. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before our body takes extreme measures to compensate for starvation and restriction—binge eating.

With that being said, various factors can have both independent and interactive influences on the behaviors of binge eating. Instead of wasting time in self-condemnation for this uncontrollable behavior with “Why Can’t I Just Stop Binging?”, it is the time to spread awareness and seek solutions by raising the question—“What Can I Do to Stop Binge Eating?”

If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, getting help as soon as possible is key to a full recovery. At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center, we treat the spectrum of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. BALANCE offers programs and services specifically tailored to individuals with binge eating disorder. Tune in to our Binge Eating Webinar to learn more about why you may be struggling with emotional eating or binge eating disorder and how to put an end to the cycle. In Virtual Nutrition Counseling, you will work closely with our highly trained Registered Dietitians to customize a program and meal plan specific to your needs. Contact us below for more information!

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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Enchi Dai.

Enchi is a Bachelor's-Master's student at New York University, majoring in Psychology. After her recovery from disordered eating, Enchi became passionate about spreading ED awareness, advocating for intuitive eating, and promoting Health at Every Size. Enchi is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200). Her goal is to help people become healthier both physically and mentally, instead of encouraging them to pursue a certain body image. Along with her internship at BALANCE, Enchi works as a Research Assistant and Crisis Counselor to prepare herself for the future career as a Clinical/Counseling Psychologist.

References:

Wheeler, K., Greiner, P., & Boulton, M. (2005). Exploring Alexithymia, Depression, and Binge Eating in Self-Reported Eating Disorders in Women. Perspectives In Psychiatric Care, 41(3), 114–123. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2005.00022.x

Binge Eating Disorder — Why Can’t I Just Stop Eating?