Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is currently ranked as the most common eating disorder in the United States, impacting approximately 25% of people living in larger bodies. In a nationally representative US-based study, up to 23% of individuals with BED had attempted suicide. ⓘ
This disorder is characterized by bingeing behaviors, defined as eating a large amount of food in <2 hours and the individual experiences a perceived loss of control.
Bingeing behaviors result in a significant level of distress (guilt, shame, regret) and/or physical discomfort. Binge Eating Disorder is distinguished from Bulimia Nervosa due to the absence of compensatory behaviors to mitigate the unwanted distress.
Bingeing behaviors are prompted by physical vulnerabilities, emotional vulnerabilities or both, presenting simultaneously.
Think you may be suffering from Binge Eating Disorder?
Physical Vulnerabilities
People who are categorized as having higher body weights have long been encouraged to restrict their caloric intake to ‘take control’ and ‘manage’ their weight. However, when the body experiences ongoing deprivation, it’s natural for bingeing behaviors to emerge as a response.
Emotional Vulnerabilities
Food can offer emotional comfort and a numbing effect when consumed in a dissociative state. For individuals who lack effective strategies to cope with difficult emotions, bingeing is often experienced as a soothing, rewarding, or relaxing mechanism.
Dietitians who specialize in eating disorders play a crucial role in helping clients with binge eating disorder address both the physical and emotional vulnerabilities associated with bingeing.
- They provide personalized nutrition education to encourage a flexible approach to eating, helping clients explore food rules, beliefs and weight
- By collaborating with clients to identify triggers and emotional cues, dietitians can teach effective coping strategies and mindfulness techniques to manage discomfort and cravings. Additionally, they support clients in recognizing and addressing the underlying emotional factors contributing to binge eating, fostering a holistic understanding of their behaviors and promoting long-term recovery.
