Binge Eating Disorder or Compulsive Overeating is characterised by periods of compulsive binge eating or overeating. There is no purging (getting rid of the food) but there may be sporadic fasts or repeated diets. Weight may vary from normal to significantly overweight.
In an eating disorder, food is not used to nourish the body. It is used to take care of emotional needs. Eating to meet psychological needs in this way is often referred to as emotional eating. Binge eating disorder is a form of emotional eating in which overeating has become a way of coping. A person with binge eating disorder becomes caught up in a vicious cycle of bingeing and dieting or restricting their food intake.
People with binge eating problems often experience some of the following:
The causes of binge eating disorder (BED) are still unclear. As with other eating disorders, many factors (biological, psychological, familial and socio-cultural) combine together to contribute to the development of the disorder. Many people with BED also experience depression from time to time. Whether depression causes BED, or whether BED causes depression is not known. Many people say that being angry, sad, anxious or worried can cause them to binge eat. Low self esteem and dieting are seen as significant risk factors.
The relationship between dieting and binge eating is complex. Many people with BED report that they had episodes of bingeing before they started to diet. However, once a cycle of bingeing and dieting is established, it is the dieting that maintains and perpetuates the urge to binge.
Binge eating disorder is almost as common among men as it is among women. It is thought to affect up to 4% of the general population.
Binge eating puts a lot of stress on the digestive processes and on the metabolism which can become chaotic. Digestive problems such as bloating, stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhoea can be experienced. Disordered eating patterns can also affect the body's capacity to absorb the nutrients it needs for healthy functioning and can have a significant effect on energy levels.
The medical complications associated with binge eating disorder tend to be the same as those associated with obesity:
Depression and anxiety can become severe and may require specialist intervention.
People with BED often try to control it on their own. More often than not, they will need the help and support of a healthcare professional. Consultation with a General Practitioner is an important first step towards self-care. The GP will look at the physical effects of binge eating and, if necessary, can make a referral to a dietician or to a psychologist or therapist. There are several different ways to treat a person with BED. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps a person to examine their thoughts and belief systems and to understand how these are linked to their feelings and behaviours. This can help a person to work out what changes they need to make in order to be able to break free of the compulsive patterns that are keeping them trapped in the disorder. Individual psychotherapy tends to concentrate more on a person's way of relating to themselves, to others and on how a person copes with the challenges of life. It aims to help a person to identify problem areas and work through them at a pace that they find tolerable.
Some addiction treatment centres offer programmes for people with binge eating disorder.
In general, people respond well to treatment and can overcome binge eating. Having access to support along the journey to recovery is important.
Some weight management clinics also offer programmes. However, alongside management of lifestyle and diet, it is important that any underlying psychological issues are also addressed.
The building of self esteem and the nurturing of self acceptance is an essential part of recovery.
Many people find that attending a support group can make a huge difference. Attendance at a support group is often an integral part of after care programmes. Support groups can provide much needed encouragement and understanding especially when a person is having a relapse and at other difficult times during recovery.
There are many self help books available which can be used on their own or under the guidance of a therapist and/or nutritionist. The Bodywhys booklet "Binge eating - Breaking the Cycle: a self help guide towards recovery" is aimed at anyone looking to find out about binge eating and how to take back control. It suggests practical steps that can be taken to facilitate sustainable, healthful change.
Some online self help programmes offer suggestions and strategies to help with managing feelings and behaviour and to support a person during periods of relapse (see website list below for examples).
www.myselfhelp.com - offers information and self help programmes for binge eating, bulimia, depression and other aspects of mental health
www.aweighout.com - Offers information on emotional eating and self help programmes to overcome compulsive patterns and build self esteem and resilience
www.aso.org.uk - Website of the Association for the Study of Obesity: many helpful links and covers a wide range of related topics.
www.obsessiveeatersanonymous.org - Website of Obsessive Eaters Anonymous: displays information about support group meetings. Tel. 01 2891599
www.aware.ie - AWARE: Tel. 1890 303302
www.theblackdog.net - Specifically for men.
Further information can be found in the books listed on our Booklist and from other websites for eating disorders and related issues on our Website list or contact the Bodywhys Helpline: lo call 1890 200 444