Do you or a loved one suspect that eating patterns may be related to a binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorders are the most common eating disorders across the nation, affecting more than anorexia and bulimia combined. Let's explore the definition, warning signs, and symptoms that are frequently seen with this type of eating disorder.
What is a Binge Eating Disorder?
The National Eating Disorder Association defines binge eating disorder (BED) as a severe, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and past the point of fullness); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterward; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating.
What are Physical Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the individual, but those commonly seen include the feeling of fullness that reaches the point of pain and discomfort, sudden weight gain, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fertility issues (in women).
What are Emotional Signs and Symptoms?
Those with eating disorders may experience high emotions and feelings of distress if they haven't developed coping and ground techniques that best support their needs. Emotional signs and symptoms will also vary depending on the individual, this may include but is not limited to: a feeling of being out of control during eating, extreme dissatisfaction or self-loathing around one's body or appearance, intense stress, low self-esteem, anxiety and/or depression, extreme shame and guilt, mental anguish, and social withdrawal. Perfectionist tendencies are also commonly associated with eating disorders.
What are Behavioral Signs and Symptoms?
Behavioral signs and symptoms may include: frequently consuming very large amounts of food, eating when not hungry, eating alone or in secrecy, eating at a rapid pace, inability to stop eating or slow down once started, frequent dieting to decrease intake or lose weight, and inconsistent meal patterns throughout the day.
Who Should Seek Treatment?
If you or a loved one are experiencing the signs and symptoms shared in this post, it is important to connect with a professional treatment team. Binge eating is a serious and life-threatening eating disorder that requires proper medical and psychological care.
Your treatment team may consist of a physician, therapist, and dietitian who all specialize in the treatment of binge eating disorders and provide weight-inclusive care.
Treatment With Pearl Wellness
Here at Pearl Wellness Practice, our in-house clinicians specialize in the treatment of binge eating disorders with adults in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions. Our Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practice from a Health at Every Size and weight-inclusive approach to ensure the individual receives the treatment they deserve.
By identifying the root cause of a binge eating disorder, learning gentle nutrition and intuitive eating principles, integrating coping techniques, and making peace with food and body, our team has helped several individuals find a recovered lifestyle. If you're interested in learning more, reach out today!
Our team offers complimentary consultation calls to ensure they're an ideal fit, answer questions, or address concerns clients have. From all at Pearl Wellness Practice, we wish you or your loved one the best on the recovery journey.
With Pearls of Wisdom,
Eden & Kira
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