Binge eating disorder (BED) is a seemingly straightforward label for a really complex condition.
Thebinge eatingpart sounds clear enough: eating too much, too fast, until youre too full.
And thedisorderpart implies the eating pattern has health consequences.
Binge eating disorder symptoms can include feeling out of control when eating, and consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time.
It doesnt reveal how devastating it can be.
It may not be an easy journey, but it is a worthwhile one to get your life back.
The first step is learning how to spot the signs of binge eating disorder.
(If you need help, you could reach theNational Eating Disorders Helplineat 800-931-2237.)
What is binge eating disorder, exactly?
For others, its a response to food insecurity.
Binge eating is hard on your mind and body.
What are behavioral binge eating disorder symptoms?
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and you may have others that arent mentioned here.
Even so, a few behaviors stand out as binge eating disorder symptoms, according to theNEDA.
What are physical binge eating disorder symptoms?
During a binge episode, you might not notice anything other than the drive to keep eating.
But afterward, a host of physical symptoms may begin.
During a binge eating episode, the main thing you feel isout of control.
You might feel embarrassed or afraid to eat around other people.
But if you have an eating disorder, they can drive a destructive cycle.
Negative emotions like anxiety and anger can trigger binge eating.
Binge eating episodes then fuel more negative feelings.
They may even leave you with the feeling that you hate yourself.
How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
The first step toward a binge eating diagnosis is reaching out for help.
But eating disorders affect all kinds of people, not just one race or gender.
Are there any binge eating disorder complications?
Only about a third of people with BED have clinical obesity, per the NEDA.
Researchers dont know exactly what causes an eating disorder.
But they do know theres a genetic link.
Theyve also identified other factors that raise your risk of developing one.
It turns out theres much more to it than that.
Heres what we know so far about what causes binge eating disorder.
What can you expect from binge eating disorder treatments?
Ready for the good news?
Research shows that these approaches can help people heal and create healthier eating patterns.
Here is a brief overview of the types of treatments andtherapyyou may encounter.
Such help is especially unavailable for people without health insurance or in marginalized communities.
The real challenge, Dr. Goode points out, is providing treatment spaces they can access.
Many programs are still centered in costly in-patient treatment centers.
Where can I find help for binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder recovery(or anyeating disorder recovery, for that matter) can be a lifelong journey.
These resources may also help:
Recovering from binge eating disorder isnt easy.
It takes time, commitment, self-compassion, and support.
There is no rush, Dr. Goode says.
Moving at a slow pace in the work is still movement.
You have to just keep going.
