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Binge Eating Disorder

Ready for change? Let us help

Do you binge eat? Worried about binge eating?

Do you feel guilty or ashamed about eating too much?

Do you feel that your eating is out of control or is it difficult to stop eating?

Are you distressed by your eating patterns?

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Little is known about the development of binge-eating disorder, which typically begins in adolescence, although it may begin in later adulthood. Binge-eating disorder can occur in people of all ages and genders, across all socioeconomic groups, and from any cultural background. Equal numbers of males and females experience binge-eating disorder.

Some research suggests some genetic influences may be present, and the disorder can impact health, life satisfaction, increase medical problems, and put individuals at an increased risk for weight gain. Individuals with binge-eating disorder may also experience mood, anxiety or substance abuse disorders.

Dieting may follow the development of binge-eating disorder for many people, however, unlike individuals with bulimia nervosa, typically a person with binge-eating disorder will not use compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or over-exercising after binge eating.

What are the warning signs of Binge Eating Disorder?

Seeking help early can be very helpful. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible.

Physical signs :

  • Feeling tired and not sleeping well
  • Feeling bloated, constipated or developing intolerances to food

Psychological Signs :

  • Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight
  • Extreme body dissatisfaction and shame about their appearance
  • Feelings of extreme distress, sadness and anxiety during and after a binge episode
  • Low self esteem
  • Increased sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape, exercise
  • Depression, anxiety or irritability
  • Feelings of shame or guilt, particularly after eating

Behavioural Signs :

  • Evidence of binge eating (e.g. disappearance and/or hoarding of food)
  • Secretive behaviour relating to food (e.g. hiding food orfood wrappers around the house)
  • Avoiding answering questions about eating and weight
  • Increased isolation and withdrawing from activities previously enjoyed
  • Erratic behaviour (e.g. shoplifting food or spending large amounts of money on food)
  • Self harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

Engaging in thought provoking conversation and exploring opinions, the media and our own feelings about body image, eating and weight can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and what we value.

What is binge eating?

Binge eating involves:

Eating an amount of food that is larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time (e.g. within two hours)

Feeling a sense of loss of control while eating (e.g. feeling unable to stop yourself from eating)

In addition, a person with binge-eating disorder may eat much more rapidly than normal, eat until they feel uncomfortable, eat even though they are not physically hungry, eat alone because they are embarrassed, and feel disgusted, guilty orashamed afterward.

Help for binge-eating disorder

You are not alone. We know it can be very difficult to seek help when you may be feeling ashamed, guilty or embarrassed. At Mindworx Psychology we offer a confidential, professional and friendly service without judgement.

If you are ready to seek help, we will do our very best to support you, and explain the different treatment options available.

Treatments offered include:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT, DBT and IPT which focuses on the links between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It helps people to identify and change unhelpful thinking styles or beliefs that perpetuate the eating disorder and to learn healthier ways of coping and relating to issues of food, shape and weight.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

is often useful for people who find it difficult to manage their feelings in a healthy way. DBT helps people to learn the skills to manage their emotions appropriately. Therapy may focus teach skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

is a treatment that focuses on the way in which the person interacts with others in their life, and how this may be related to the eating disorder symptoms. IPT helps people to change the problematic ways in which they may relate to others.

Mindful Eating For Beginners

Dr Salena Bhanji, who has a special interest in the field of binge eating, hosts our Mindful Eating workshops:

Dr Salena says the research is pointing us to mindful eating. Mindful eating is not a diet, it is about how you eat. Research indicates that the benefits of mindful eating include a sustainable way to change our relationship with food; it is not a fad diet! This means it is more likely to produce lasting change.

All the evidence suggest that mindful eating may lead to decreased stress, managing weight and reducing eating concerns.

Dr Salena’s popular workshop offers you the chance to learn the skills and strategies behind mindful eating. Change your thinking – change your life. Bookings open: 8355 3634.

3 signs you might be struggling with mindless eating

  1. Eating that ignores hunger signals: Do you find yourself eating until you are too full and feeling guilty afterward? Eating throughout the day when you are not even hungry? Finishing the food on your children’s plates? Or, skipping meals and ignoring your hunger?
  2. Emotional eating: Do you find that you eat in response to your emotional states, such as stress, or anxiety, or sadness? Or that you graze on food due to boredom?
  3. Eating without paying attention (where did that food go?): Do you find that you often eat in front of a screen with out paying attention to what is actually going into your mouth? Do you often finish your food without enjoying eating it?

Learning Mindfulness strategies can help bring change.

FOR URGENT HELP

Please note Mindworx Psychology DOES NOT provide an emergency or instant response service.

If you are feeling suicidal or in a crisis please seek help immediately.

You can go to your local hospital emergency department, or if you are in Australia you can call:

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