The Basic Characteristics Of Binge Eating Disorder

The Basic Characteristics Of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating disorder is characterised by eating large amounts of foods in short period of time often when the person isn’t hungry. People with the disorder usually feel out of control when eating not being able to stop when they want to.

Binge eating as a way of coping

There are certain binge eating emotional triggers like stress, boredom, anger or distress of any kind as binge eating is used as a way of coping with these emotions. Most people with the disorder choose to eat alone and are very secretive about their eating habits.

Shame and Guilt

A person with binge eating disorder will not engage in large amounts of exercise or self-induced vomiting after binge eating. Many of these people are overweight or obese and feel ashamed and guilty about the way they eat and of the amount of food they eat during a binge eating episode.

Physical, psychological and behavioural warning signs of Binge eating disorder can occur and appear in a combination of any of these symptoms.

• Bloating, constipation and developing food intolerances
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well
• Excessive weight gain
• Body dissatisfaction and shame
• Distress, sadness anxiety and guilt during binge episode
• Depression, anxiety and/or irritability
• Low self esteem
• Becoming increasingly sensitive to comments related to food, body shape, weight and exercise.
• Hoarding of food or food disappearing
• Erratic behaviour like spending large amounts of money on food or shoplifting food
• Not happy to answer questions about eating
• Secretive behaviour around food, hiding food wrappers around the home
• Isolation and withdrawal

Risk Factors of Binge Eating

• Kidney problems – Kidney Failure
• High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol leading to increased risk of stroke, heart disease or diabetes
• Osteoarthritis – a painful degenerative arthritis affecting the joints leading to loss of cartilage where the quality of a person’s joints degrade.

Recovery is possible from Binge Eating Disorder

Seek professional help by a qualified counsellor. Talk to your gp who can refer you to the right places in your local area.

Sandra.Ciminelli
Cred.Dip.Couns.(Christian)

Sources

What is binge eating disorder? National Eating Disorders Collaboration – http://www.nedc.com.au/binge-eating-disorder