Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder that is shrouded in shame and taboo. However, it affects millions of people across the world, mostly women. Binging on large quantities of food in a short period of time, coupled with a loss of control over what or how much one is eating, qualifies as an episode of BED.
If left untreated, binge eating can lead to malnutrition, depression, and other mental health problems. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and manage this condition. Here are some warning signs that you might have BED.
Feelings of Guilt and Shame After Binging
People with BED feel a considerable amount of shame and guilt after they’ve binged. This is because they recognize that they’ve lost control over their eating, and it’s out of their hands. Although this feeling is unpleasant, it can be an important tool to help you identify if you have BED. If you feel guilt and shame after every binge, even after one binge, this could be a sign that you’re dealing with BED.
Eating Even Though You’re Full
If you find it difficult to stop eating even though you’re full and feel “bloated,” this could be a sign that you have BED. When you binge, you’re likely to consume a large quantity of food in a short period of time. The sheer volume of food you’ve consumed may cause your stomach to feel bloated and distended.
However, if you’re experiencing this feeling even after eating smaller meals, along with experiencing feelings of being out of control, this could be a sign that you have BED. An eating disorder is characterized by a feeling of lack of control over one’s eating habits.
Your Diet Is Constantly a Variety of Junk Food
If you’re eating a diet that consists mainly of junk food, this could be a sign that you have BED. BED is characterized by a lack of variety in one’s diet. Those who struggle with BED tend to binge on foods like cakes, cookies, chips, and ice cream. BED is not about eating for nourishment; it’s about eating for comfort.
You Experience Depression and Anxiety
If you regularly experience depression and anxiety surrounding food and eating, this could be a sign that you have BED. People with BED often experience depression and anxiety before they “fall off the wagon” and binge. This may be because they’re feeling a great deal of shame and guilt over their eating habits and what they’ve done to their body.
Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
If you’ve read this article and think you might be struggling with BED, don’t be ashamed. BED is a serious issue that can be treated. You’re not alone; BED affects millions of people worldwide, but there are ways to manage it. With the help of professional mental health experts, you can learn how to manage your eating habits and break the cycle of BED once and for all.
If you find it difficult to stop eating even though you’re full, it’s possible that you’re struggling with binge eating disorder (BED). If you regularly feel anxious and depressed before you binge, it’s possible that you have BED. If you find yourself regularly eating “comfort foods” that don’t provide any real nutritional value, it’s possible that you have BED. Most importantly, if you feel like you have an unhealthy relationship with food and eating, now is the time to treat it. Call The Guest House at (855) 483-7800 for more information.