Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control during the binge. People with BED may feel unable to stop eating, even when they are uncomfortably full. It is important to note that binge eating disorder is a mental health condition and is not simply overindulging in a large meal occasionally.
Here are some characteristics and examples of what it feels like to have binge-eating disorder:
Loss of Control: During a binge-eating episode, individuals often feel a lack of control over their eating behavior. They may eat much more rapidly than usual, eat until uncomfortably full, and continue eating even when not physically hungry.
Emotional Eating: Binge eating is often triggered or accompanied by emotions such as stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom, or loneliness. Food becomes a way to cope with these emotions rather than providing physical nourishment.
Secretive Eating: People with BED may feel ashamed of their eating behavior and try to hide their binge-eating episodes from others. They may eat in private or consume large amounts of food when no one is around.
Guilt and Shame: After a binge, individuals often experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-criticism. These negative emotions can further perpetuate the cycle of binge eating.
Eating in Absence of Hunger: Unlike emotional eating that some people experience on occasion, individuals with BED regularly eat in large amounts even when they are not physically hungry.
Preoccupation with Food: Thoughts about food, weight, and body shape can become all-consuming for someone with BED. They may constantly worry about their eating habits and feel distressed by their relationship with food.
Weight Fluctuations: Binge eating disorder can lead to weight fluctuations and potential weight gain, but not everyone with BED is overweight. Weight can also be maintained or vary within a normal range.
Feeling Powerless: The urge to binge eat can feel overwhelming, and despite attempts to control the behavior, individuals with BED may struggle to stop the cycle on their own.
It's crucial to understand that binge eating disorder is a complex mental health condition, and it requires professional help for diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of binge eating disorder, it is essential to reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders, for support and guidance. Treatment may include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to the disorder.