If you’ve noticed a pattern of overeating followed by feelings of guilt or shame, you might be experiencing binge eating disorder (BED). This condition affects both your mental and physical wellbeing, but recognising the signs is an important step toward finding relief and support.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a challenging condition marked by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of losing control.

Unlike other eating disorders, such as bulimia, BED doesn’t involve behaviours like purging or excessive exercise. Instead, individuals with BED may struggle with feeling powerless to stop eating, even when they’re full.

Recognising the signs early and seeking eating disorder treatment is crucial to managing BED and improving both physical and mental health.

Keep reading to learn nine common symptoms of BED.

1. Frequent Episodes of Eating Large Amounts of Food

You might find yourself eating more than usual in a short time, often feeling overwhelmed by the amount of food consumed.

If these episodes happen regularly, at least once a week for three months or longer, it could be a sign of BED. This pattern can significantly impact your daily life, but recognising it is the first step toward healing.

2. Feeling Out of Control During Binge Episodes

During these episodes, you might feel a loss of control, even when you know you’re full.

This sense of being unable to stop eating, despite the discomfort it brings, is a common experience for those with BED. It’s important to approach this with compassion for yourself and seek support to regain control.

3. Eating When Not Hungry

Sometimes, eating in response to emotional triggers rather than physical hunger can be a sign of BED. You may turn to food to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom, creating a disconnect from your body’s natural hunger signals.

Understanding this pattern can help you find healthier ways to manage your emotions.

4. Rapid or Secretive Eating

Eating quickly and in secret are common behaviours in BED.

You might find yourself eating much faster than usual, making it harder for your body to signal fullness. Feelings of shame or embarrassment might lead you to hide your eating.

5. Feeling Distress, Shame, or Guilt After Eating

After binge eating, it is common for people to experience intense feelings of distress, shame, or guilt. They may feel disgusted with themselves or upset about their inability to control their eating.

Unlike other eating disorders like bulimia nervosa, people with BED typically do not engage in compensatory behaviours such as purging, which can make the feelings of guilt even stronger.

6. Frequent Dieting Without Lasting Weight Loss

You might try dieting to control your weight, but frequent binge episodes can make it difficult to achieve lasting results. This struggle can lead to frustration and weight fluctuations.

7. Physical Discomfort After Bingeing

Binge eating episodes often lead to physical discomfort, as the amount of food consumed can cause bloating, stomach pain, and fatigue.

Overeating stretches the digestive system, leading to discomfort that may last for several hours. Over time, repeated binge episodes can contribute to gastrointestinal issues and other long-term health problems related to overeating.

8. Poor Mental Wellbeing

Binge eating disorder frequently coexists with depression and anxiety. The emotional distress caused by binge eating, combined with a negative body image, can lead to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and low self-worth. The disorder can also exacerbate existing mental health issues, creating a cycle of emotional eating and distress.

9. High Levels of Food Noise

Food noise, characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts about food or a constant preoccupation with eating, can be an indicator of BED.

This preoccupation often manifests as a relentless focus on food. Recognising and addressing this food-related mental chatter is crucial, as it can contribute to the cycle of binge eating and emotional distress associated with BED.

Seeking support from a mental health professional can help you understand and navigate these thoughts, paving the way for effective treatment and recovery.

Summary

Binge eating disorder can profoundly affect your life, but understanding its signs is the first step toward recovery. Key indicators include:

1. Frequent episodes of overeating
2. Feeling out of control during binge episodes
3. Eating in response to emotions rather than hunger
4. Rapid or secretive eating
5. Feeling distress, shame, or guilt after eating
6. Frequent dieting without lasting results
7. Physical discomfort after bingeing
8. Poor mental wellbeing
9. High levels of food noise

Recognising these signs and reaching out for support can help you begin your journey toward healing. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone – there’s support available to help you through every step of your recovery.

We hope you find this article helpful.

Want practical tools for your mental health? Be sure to check out The Mental Wellbeing Toolkit. It's "like 10 therapy sessions in one."