Binge Eating Disorder

Common Behaviors and Symptoms

Individuals with BED may exhibit the following behaviors and symptoms:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time
• Eating even when full or not hungry
• Eating rapidly during binge episodes
• Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating
• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

The following symptoms can indicate the need for professional eating disorder treatment for BED:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Feeling a lack of control during binge episodes
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eating alone due to feelings of embarrassment
• Feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty after overeating

Binge Eating Disorder in Different Populations

BED affects individuals across all demographics. Research indicates that approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults will experience BED in their lifetime. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States and often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.

How is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?

According to DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for BED include:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by both:
  • Eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period under similar circumstances
  • A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode
• 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 being embarrassed by how much one is eating
  • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
• 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 (e.g., purging) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Binge Eating Disorder’s Relationship to Other Eating Disorders

BED is distinct from other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, it shares common features such as the preoccupation with food and episodes of eating in response to emotional triggers. Unlike anorexia, individuals with BED typically do not engage in restrictive eating patterns or have a crippling fear of gaining weight, though they may experience body dissatisfaction.

The Treatment Gap in Eating Disorders

A significant portion of individuals with eating disorders remain untreated. For instance, only 22.8% of subjects with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) receive specific treatment for eating problems in primary care settings (Pieró, Locati, & Zirilli, 2010). This highlights the importance of specialized care and the need to raise awareness and accessibility of effective treatment options for those suffering from BED and other eating disorders.

Nurtured Nutrition’s Approach to Binge Eating Disorder Care

At Nurtured Nutrition, we provide specialized care for individuals with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), leveraging our extensive experience and a holistic approach to treatment.

• Role in the Care Team: We work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including a therapist, psychiatrist, and primary care physician (PCP).
• Specialized Nutrition Counseling: Our comprehensive approach includes:
  • Nutritional Rehabilitation: Developing meal plans that ensure balanced nutrition and address the cycles of binge eating.
  • Managing Binge Behaviors: Implementing strategies to manage and reduce binge episodes, such as identifying triggers and developing coping mechanisms.
  • Nutritional Education: Educating individuals on forming positive thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image, and understanding the importance of a balanced diet.
  • Cultivating Healthful Eating Habits: Helping individuals establish regular eating patterns and a healthy relationship with food.
  • Family Involvement: Encouraging family participation in the treatment process to provide support and create a healthy home environment.
  • Mindful Eating Practices: Teaching individuals to develop a mindful approach to eating, which includes paying attention to hunger and fullness cues and enjoying food without guilt.

If additional support is needed, we can facilitate referrals to other experienced providers, ensuring a comprehensive care approach.

Insurance and Coverage

Nurtured Nutrition is in-network with most common insurance providers in the area, allowing for accessible and cost-effective options. Click here for a list of accepted insurances

Regain Control with Nurtured Nutrition

If you or a loved one is struggling with BED, we are here to help. Contact us at (508) 688-4794 to speak with a specialist or complete the form on our website to start your journey to recovery.

At Nurtured Nutrition, our team of dietitians and nutritionists is dedicated to helping individuals with eating disorders like BED. Our expertise in providing tailored nutritional counseling and support ensures that you receive the best possible care for your recovery journey.