What is binge eating

Binge eating is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It goes beyond the occasional indulgence and can have serious physical and emotional consequences. In this blog article, we will delve into what binge eating is, its causes, common symptoms, and potential solutions to help those struggling with this disorder find their path to recovery.

What is binge eating?

Binge eating, formally known as Binge Eating Disorder (BED), is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:

• Eating, in a discrete period of time (for example, within any two-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances

• A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (for example, a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
  
  

The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

• Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating

• Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards

• Marked distress regarding binge eating

• The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for three months.

The binge eating is NOT associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior (for example, purging) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. It is extremely important to note that weight or appearance is not part of the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder.

It is essential to differentiate between binge eating and other eating behaviors or habits that do not qualify as binge eating. Here are some examples of what is not binge eating:

Occasional Overindulgence : Eating a bit more than usual on special occasions, such as holidays or celebrations, is not necessarily binge eating. Binge eating typically involves frequent and uncontrollable overeating episodes.

Emotional Eating in Moderation: Many people eat in response to emotions occasionally, such as stress, sadness, or happiness. However, emotional eating becomes problematic when it becomes a recurrent pattern of consuming excessive amounts of food as a way to cope with emotions.

Planned Indulgences: Sometimes, individuals may intentionally choose to have a treat or indulge in their favorite foods as part of a balanced diet. As long as this is not accompanied by a loss of control, it is not binge eating.

Regular Snacks: Structured and balanced meal patterns, including planned snacks, are part of a healthy eating routine. Binge eating typically occurs outside of regular meal times and involves consuming excessive amounts of food in a short timeframe.

It's important to note that occasional instances of overeating or emotional eating are common and do not necessarily indicate an eating disorder. Binge eating is diagnosed when these behaviors become a persistent and distressing pattern that significantly affects a person's physical and emotional well-being.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a binge eating disorder, you should not hesitate seeking for help. RecoveryCare is an accessible digital solution but also, it is advisable to talk to your doctors and get as much as help you need.

🚀 Like to learn about other terms related to binge eating such as overeating and food addiction?

💘 Curious to know more about solutions for binge eating? Check out this blog that reviews a variety of apps that support you in overcoming binge eating.