Introduction
Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness where an individual will eat enormously until uncomfortable and distressed. Hunger and satiety are no more relevant in this scenario.
Binge eater eventually develops some particular personality traits over time. When observing for signs and symptoms of Binge eating disorder most obvious signs are physical – Obesity, overweight. These signs are due to overconsumption of calories. Apart from physical and health symptoms, binge eaters have certain behavioral problems. It would be best if you had an observing eye; only then will these be apparent. Behavior symptoms to look out for are:
Unreasonable concern over appearance or body outlook
A person with a binge eating disorder consumes a lot more calories than needed, so most of the time, they are either overweight or obese – rarely normal weight. He/she will always show concern about body shape and appearance. But just being stressed out of the situation doesn’t help much. One needs to consume less.
Hoarding or stockpiling of food
Binge eater requires a constant supply of food, so he/she usually stockpiles many snacks or easy-to-cook food items in his room or kitchen so that it becomes easier to access food in privacy.
Absence of a large amount of food from fridge or kitchen
When there are many family members or friends around or an abundance of food in a home, it’s hard to evaluate the constant disappearance of a large quantity of food; however, it’s easier to figure out in fewer consumers. Snacks are least noticed, so most disappeared around a binge-eater environment.
Always on fad diets
Fad diets often compensate for overconsumption of calories. Avoiding a certain food group like carbohydrates or turning vegan suddenly are all binge eater behavior shifts. Though it rarely helps. Sudden weight fluctuations are also seen quite often.
Trouble concentrating
Conscious and concerned round the clock make it difficult to concentrate on day-to-day affairs. Regular snacking or munching and followed by depression, takes out all the energies of a person. They are often mentally absent from their workplaces or study places.
Irritated over unavailability of food or not allowing to touch their food
Compulsive eating makes him irritated when anyone touches his food. He does not let the food go even if there is no more hunger.
Avoidance of eating in public
Eating alone is always the topmost priority. Binge eater hates to be judged by others over quantity and frequency of eating. He avoids family mealtimes and eats at his own time or place.
Stashes of food wrappers or containers from room
Often, he eats and throws wrappers and leftovers in his room at hidden places like drawers or under the bed. Drink bottles, containers, tins are stashed at unusual places because he tries to hide evidence of overeating.
Social withdrawal
Being socially awkward because of outlook or body shape binge eater withdraws himself from people. Don’t attend birthday parties, avoid family gatherings, and prefer to stay at home.
Depression
The inability to control his eating habits makes him anxious and depressed. He loses control over emotions and personality with time. He might be suffering from depression even before BED. This we have to rule out through therapy or counseling.
Feeling guilt and shame
A binge eater usually does not talk about his feelings, but he will express his guilt or shame on this habit of overeating if he does. He will mention his helplessness to control this habit.
Well, there are many behavioral patterns a binge eater can show. If you see most of these in a person around you, help him out, counsel, talk, listen to him. Make his insecurities out of him. Help a person lead a better life ahead.
