How to identify a Binge Eating Disorder?

Introduction

Sometimes we serve ourselves with a full overloaded plate that too multiple times in a buffet. Is it binge eating or just a one-time splurge? How do you find out if it is a mere food addiction or a disorder? Well, Binge eating disorder always happens periodically, a period of binging over food followed by a period of guilt and shame. One-time overeating cannot be labeled as BED. You eat once a week at least for months to be diagnosed with a binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders in the USA. People with BED eat an enormous quantity of food and often eat quickly until they feel discomfort. A feeling of shame and guilt after bingeing and losing self-control while eating excessively is the most relevant indication of BED. Binging always happens in secrecy and privacy. That’s the hardest part of diagnosing disease as patients have no eye witness at home or workplace. Like Bulimia Nervosa, people eat excessively, but unlike bulimia, they don’t go for purging by using laxatives or inducing vomiting.

Diagnostic Criteria Of BED

Clear symptoms are only obvious to the patient, but friends and family can also help diagnose if they see the following signs in loved ones. It just needs an observing eye to notice all. Some of the behavioral signs seen in people with binge eating disorder are as follows:

• Overweight or Obese, always concerned about weight
• Frequent dieting, especially involving fads and quick fixes
• Hoarding or hiding food to binge later on
• Unreasonable concern with body shape or overall appearance
• Shy of eating in public or around other people
• Avoidance of certain food groups like Carbohydrates
• Evidence of binge episodes, such as a large amount of food disappearing
• Social withdrawal or anti-social behaviors
• Occasional fasting
• Sudden fluctuations in weight
• Complaints of stomach pain or other gastrointestinal issues
• Problematic interpersonal relations

If you see or observe these signs in your loved ones, talk to them, show them your concern and empathy. Seek professional help; just talking about his well-being and the dietary problem may not help your friend or family member.

If you observe the following symptoms in yourself, that’s a red flag.

• Eating in bulk or large quantities than a normal person would eat
• Eating quickly than usual
• Eating when not hungry
• Feeling guilt, shame and, depression after every binging episode
• Social awkwardness
• Eating alone or in some private space
• Weight stigma
• Upset about your body shape or strange eating pattern
• Skip meals before a major binge to compensate
• Involved in fads or unnatural diets

Facing these signs and symptoms? Talk to your loved ones, do contact a healthcare provider, a mental therapist, or a doctor. You need professional help to get out of this problem. You can’t get rid of it on your own. It can toll on your physical and mental health. Constantly feeling depressed and upset can lead you to major psychological issues. It’s a treatable and curable disorder. Just keep your hopes and heads high.

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