Feeling unsatisfied or still hungry even after eating a full meal can have various underlying causes. It's important to consider the following factors that could be contributing to this issue:
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): As you mentioned that you are struggling with binge eating disorder, this could be a significant factor. BED can cause feelings of loss of control during eating episodes, leading to overeating even beyond the point of fullness.
Emotional Eating: Sometimes, individuals eat not just for physical hunger but also as a way to cope with emotions such as stress, sadness, anxiety, or boredom. Emotional eating can lead to overeating and feeling unsatisfied even after a meal.
Nutritional Imbalance: If your diet lacks essential nutrients or is not well-balanced, your body might still signal hunger even after consuming a large amount of food. Ensuring you have a balanced diet that includes proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals can help with satiety.
Eating Too Quickly: Eating too quickly can prevent your body from registering that it's full, leading to overeating and a feeling of unsatisfaction.
Gut Health: Your gut health can influence hunger and satiety signals. An imbalance in gut bacteria may affect how your body responds to food intake.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like leptin and ghrelin play a role in regulating hunger and satiety. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to increased hunger and reduced feelings of fullness.
Dehydration: Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Make sure you're adequately hydrated throughout the day.
It's important to address these potential factors with the help of a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, therapist, or medical doctor. They can help you determine the root cause of your dissatisfaction after eating and develop a personalized plan to address it. In the case of binge eating disorder, seeking the help of a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders is crucial for effective treatment and support.