Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
If you have binge eating disorder you might feel that you cant stop yourself from eating, even if you want to. It is sometimes described as compulsive eating. if you experience binge eating disorder, you might rely on food to make you feel better or hide difficult feelings.
Signs
- You might feel out of control as if you can’t stop eating
- You might feel embarrassed, ashamed, lonely, empty, low, worthless, unhappy with your body, stressed or anxious. And you might eat when you feel these things.
- You may pick at food all day or eat large amounts all at once.
- Eat without thinking about it.
- Regularly eat unhealthy food.
- Hide how much you are eating.
- Eat until you feel uncomfortable.
Causes
Like all eating disorders there can be a range of causes:
- Habits and traits like being a perfectionist, self critical, competitive or obsessive.
- Life experiences, trauma, abuse or bullying.
- Family issues
- Social pressure
- Physical and mental health problems
- Biological and genetic factors
Health risks
- Put on weight
- Develop health problems associated with weight like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain and acid reflux. Or breathlessness when trying to do everyday activities like a short walk or going up stairs.
- You might experience sugar highs and crashes, when you get a burst of energy and then feel tired.
Finding Help
There are a number of national charities that are specialists in eating disorders. BEAT and overeaters anonymous are just a couple – You can see all of them via our national services section.
We have also talked to a number of people on the chat chit podcast about their experiences including a the eating disorders team at CAMHS in York who have some tips for you