Binge eating disorder

BED comes from a mix of emotions, biology and habits. Eating releases brain chemicals linked to pleasure and relief, which can make stopping very hard.

Many people with BED are in larger bodies, but not all are. Not everyone with BED gains weight. You cannot tell by looking.

And being in a larger body does not mean someone has BED. Bodies naturally come in many sizes.

Many people with BED get stuck in a loop of strict dieting and bingeing. The NHS advises avoiding dieting during treatment, because it can make stopping binge eating harder.

In a national U.S. survey, about 2 in 100 men had BED at some point in their life. Men with BED were much less likely than women to get treatment.

Most people recover from binge eating disorder with the right support and treatment, though it may take time.

Stress and anxiety are common triggers. Depression and anxiety are also more common in people with BED, and binge eating can make them worse.

Some people describe binges as a way to escape or numb feelings they don’t know how to handle. A history of trauma or abuse raises the risk of BED.

Binges usually happen alone or in secret, because of embarrassment. Afterwards, people often feel disgusted, guilty or low.

Shame and pulling away from others can make the cycle stronger. Talking to someone who understands can loosen its grip.

People with BED may eat when not hungry, eat very fast, or eat until uncomfortably full. Over time it can become hard to notice hunger and fullness at all.

A family history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug problems raises the risk.

Things that can add risk

• Anxiety or depression
• Low self-esteem
• An obsessive personality
• Perfectionism
• Substance use problems

Stressful events, trauma and abuse in the past all raise the risk of BED.

Worrying a lot about being slim, especially when there is pressure from society or a job, can raise the risk.

BED affects many men, but men with BED are much less likely than women to get treatment. Men with eating disorders often don’t see their symptoms as a problem.

Guided self-help usually combines a self-help book or online programme with sessions with a therapist or other health professional. Online support groups can help too.

If self-help isn’t enough after a few weeks, other treatment can be offered.

CBT looks at the thoughts, feelings and behaviours behind binge eating. In the UK it is often offered in groups, with about 20 sessions over 20 weeks. One-to-one sessions are also available.

You might work on

• Facing negative feelings about your body
• Keeping new habits going to prevent relapse
• Noticing your triggers
• Planning regular meals and snacks

IPT is a short-term therapy that focuses on current conflicts and stresses, such as in relationships, that may be feeding the binge eating.

A registered dietitian can help build a balanced relationship with food. The focus is on regular, nourishing eating, not dieting or strict rules.

Recovery is possible, but the path may not be short or straight. Setbacks can happen. They are part of recovery, not a sign of failure.

Try this

1. Choose a calm, private moment, away from food.
2. Say you care and have noticed they seem stressed or low.
3. Listen without judging.
4. Tell them what you value about them.
5. Offer to help them find support.

• Comments about weight, size or what they eat
• Criticising or lecturing
• Hiding food or watching every bite
• Suggesting a diet
• Simple fixes like “Just have some self-control”

Shame grows in secret. ANAD runs free virtual support groups and a free recovery mentor program. Research shared by ANAD found people with peer mentors were more likely to go to their provider appointments.

Ways your circle can help

• Drop diet talk and body comments
• Keep inviting them to things
• Make gatherings about connection, not food

Recovery takes time, with good days and bad days. It’s okay to feel worried or frustrated.

• Get your own support if you need it
• Keep up your own sleep, meals and hobbies
• Talk to someone you trust