Let’s Talk About Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

“Binge Eating”, “Binge Watching”, or “Going on a Binge” are common euphemisms that are used interchangeably to describe people who are indulging more than they normally would. Because of the commonplace nature, people don’t often take the time to think about the true struggle of the condition behind this language.

For folks who struggle with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), it’s more than just eating too much now and then; it’s a serious eating disorder. People with BED experience episodes where they eat large amounts of food quickly, often to the point of feeling really uncomfortable. These episodes are often prompted from negative emotions, such as anxiety and shame, rather than any semblance of feeling indulgent or relaxing. Episodes of binge eating come with a sense of losing control, followed by intense feelings of guilt or shame.

Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., and it affects all kinds of people — no matter their age, gender, background, or size.

Common Misconceptions About BED

There are a lot of myths out there about BED. Let’s break down some of the most common ones:

“It’s just overeating or a lack of willpower.”

BED is not a sign of weakness or simply eating too much. It’s a serious mental health condition with complex causes, including genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. This misconception can lead to judgment and stigma, making individuals feel ashamed and less likely to seek help. Understanding that BED is a disorder can foster empathy and encourage more people to approach it with the seriousness it deserves.

“Only overweight people have BED.”

BED affects people of all sizes. Some individuals with BED may be overweight, underweight, or have a “normal” weight. Focusing only on weight can lead to missed diagnoses and inadequate support for those who don’t fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder. Recognizing that eating disorders can’t be diagnosed based on appearance alone helps ensure that more people receive the help they need.

“BED is just a phase or a temporary lapse in eating habits.”

BED is a long-term, recurrent condition that often requires professional treatment. It’s not something that someone can easily “snap out of” or will outgrow. Minimizing the disorder as a phase can prevent individuals from seeking timely and appropriate care, prolonging their suffering. Acknowledging the chronic nature of BED can prompt more effective, sustained interventions and support.

“People with BED eat like this all the time.”

BED involves episodes of binge eating, but these episodes can vary in frequency. Someone with BED might have periods where they don’t binge at all. Assuming constant overeating can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of the disorder and the challenges those with BED face. Learning about the episodic nature of BED can help people better understand and support those who are managing the disorder.

“Talking about dieting and weight loss is helpful for someone with BED.”

Discussions about dieting and weight loss can be triggering and counterproductive for someone with BED. These conversations can exacerbate feelings of guilt and shame. Well-meaning advice about dieting can actually harm someone with BED by reinforcing negative thoughts and behaviors. Focusing on health and well-being rather than weight and dieting can create a more supportive environment for recovery.

“BED isn’t as serious as other disorders, like anorexia or bulimia”

BED can have severe physical and emotional consequences, including depression, anxiety, and health issues related to weight gain or loss. Underestimating the seriousness of BED can lead to inadequate treatment and support, leaving individuals to struggle unnecessarily. Understanding the serious nature of BED can help ensure it is treated with the same level of concern as other eating disorders.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can make a huge difference for someone with BED. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used and helps people figure out what triggers their binge eating and develop healthier ways to cope. In CBT, clients learn to spot and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that feed into the disorder. Therapy can also tackle underlying issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression that often go hand-in-hand with BED.

Other approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help with managing emotional distress and improving emotional regulation to reduce frequency and severity of binge-eating episodes, and reduce the shame cycle following the episode as well.

Peer support, such as a grou

p therapy setting, can be very powerful as well. BED is a very isolating disorder, so finding others who share similar struggles provides a safe, supportive space where people can share their experiences and learn to grow together. Knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly validating and empowering.

Ways to Support Someone with BED

Supporting someone with BED means being empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental. Encourage them to seek professional help and remind them that recovery is possible. Avoid making comments about their weight or eating habits — even positive ones, as this can increase anxiety and hypervigilance surrounding food. Instead, be a good listener and offer encouragement. Here are some practical ways to help:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about BED so you can better understand what your loved one is going through. This will help you provide informed support and avoid spreading myths.
2. Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest they see a mental health professional. Offer to help them find a therapist or go with them to appointments if they’re comfortable with that. If their episodes are severe enough and they feel they may need more acute care, it is also worth exploring in-patient or intensive out-patient (IOP) programs in your area.
3. Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery takes time. Be patient and understand that there will be ups and downs along the way. Relapse following a maintenance period is often part of the healing process.
4. Avoid Triggering Topics: Stay away from discussions about dieting, weight loss, or body image, as these can be triggering. Focus on positive, non-food-related topics, to encourage value and self-worth beyond eating habits or physical appearance.
5. Offer Practical Support: Help with tasks that might feel overwhelming, like meal planning or grocery shopping, without taking over their autonomy. Ask if there’s any way to make meal times or their treatment journey easier and more comfortable — accept ‘no’ as a response, and be understanding if they’re not open to suggestions.

Conclusion

Understanding BED and its impact is the first step towards supporting those who struggle with it. With the right treatment and support, people with BED can develop healthier relationships with food and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is dealing with BED, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. By creating a supportive and informed environment, we can help those affected by BED move towards a healthier, happier future.

Please get in touch. We will be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.