Binge eating disorder ("BED") is a real illness. It isn't imagined. It isn't just a matter of overeating. The depression and stress caused by the disorder can have serious physical and psychological effects.
Binge eating is characterized by a series of behaviors or a pattern of behavior that emerges over time. If you or someone you know engages in three or more of the following behaviors, it might be BED:
- Eating rapidly
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating alone or hiding to eat
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
Certainly the overeating most of us engage in during the holidays or special events isn't the same as binge eating. Binge eating takes place anytime and is most often brought on by stress, depression, or anxiety.
Binge eating occurs frequently in overweight people, but can happen in people of normal weight. For overweight people, the stress of failing to lose weight or continuing to gain weight adds to the problem and drives binge eating. For people of normal weight, the triggers may be stress, anxiety, or depression caused by anything taking place in their life.
Binge eating is treatable. Keeping a food diary is the first step. Keeping a diary of binges, including the types and amounts of food consumed, times, dates, and feelings before the binge are helpful in determining what triggers the behavior. Once the triggers are known, psychotherapy and antidepressants (like Zoloft) can be used to help the person get control of the binges.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from binge eating disorder, contact your physician to locate a therapist or clinic that specializes in dealing with eating disorders.
Note that nagging, cajoling, or pleading with a binge eater will not change the behavior. In fact, the pressure and stress they feel can make matters worse. It is best to let a professional help and learn what you should and should not do to help the person recover.
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