What is Binge Eating Disorder? Expert Explains All You Need To Know

Different people deal with stress in different ways. While some individuals go for a run, some prefer to sleep or talk it out, there are others who like to indulge in good food. This indulgence is harmless if done in moderation. However, if this indulgence turns into a ‘binge eating’ session and happens frequently, then you may be suffering from a condition called Binge Eating Disorder (BED). If you want to know its causes, symptoms, and treatment, then read ahead.

To understand this better, we reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

What is Binge Eating Disorder? 

Let us first understand what BED is. Ms Raj answers, “Binge Eating Disorder is a serious eating disorder in which a person repeatedly eats unusually large amounts of food in a short period while feeling unable to stop, often eating very quickly, even when not hungry or already full, and later experiencing guilt, shame, or distress.” 

The expert adds, “If left untreated, it can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life.”

So what are its causes? According to the National Health Service (NHS), the exact causes of binge eating disorder is not known, but you are likely to have this disorder if:

• You have a family history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse.
• You worry about being slim, particularly if you feel pressured by society or your job.
• You have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist.
• You have experienced a stressful event or trauma.

Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms and Prevention 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are some of the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder:

• Eating to the point of discomfort.
• Eating very quickly.
• Eating when you’re not hungry.
• Eating in response to stress or trauma.
• Eating alone due to embarrassment.
• Feeling guilt, shame and out of control.

How can you prevent BED? Shedding light on this, Ms Raj shares that the condition can be prevented by: 

• Following regular and balanced eating habits.
• Avoiding crash diets.
• Managing stress in healthy ways.
• Getting enough sleep.
• Staying physically active.
• Recognising emotional triggers for overeating.
• Seeking professional help early, if binge eating becomes frequent or difficult to control.

How To Treat Binge Eating Disorder

Now let us understand what are the treatment options for BED. Ms Raj says, “Treatment usually includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to improve eating behaviours and emotional health, guidance from a registered dietitian to develop healthy eating patterns, medications in selected cases to reduce binge eating episodes or treat associated mental health conditions, and ongoing support from family, friends, or support groups to help achieve long-term recovery and prevent relapse.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are some of the ways BED can be treated:

1. Therapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is said to be the most important part of its treatment plan. The different approaches to this therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).

2. Medication: Medications may play a supporting role in treating Binge Eating Disorder. These may include:

• Medications that can help with impulse control.
• Medications for other mental health conditions. For instance, you may prescribe medicines to treat another condition related to your eating disorder such as antidepressants or anxiety medications.
• Medications such as appetite suppressants.

3. Diet and nutrition: To build a healthy and balanced relationship with food, a registered dietitian can help you create your personalised well-rounded diet chart. This will ideally focus on consistency and getting nutrients, not dieting or food rules.

Conclusion

Binge Eating Disorder is not just occasional overindulgence. In fact, it is a serious yet treatable mental health condition. If it is left unaddressed, it can take a severe toll on both your physical health and emotional well-being. This is because BED can increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. However, you can deal with it by adopting a balanced lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding extreme crash diets. Overcoming this disorder needs a comprehensive approach, often combining CBT, with the help of a registered dietitian. If you are struggling with this uncontrollable eating disorder, seek professional help, because this is the first step toward long-term recovery and a healthier life. 

ALSO READ- Can Eating Too Much Protein Harm Your Health? Dietitian Answers