Everyone has eaten in “excess” at some point in their life. Whether they ate too much from their favorite restaurant or consumed one too many slices of pizza, we’ve all experienced some form of food “excess.” While overeating every now and then is fairly harmless, what about those who suffer from chronic binge eating and how is it different from just plain overeating??
Binge eating is not the same thing as occasionally overeating. People who suffer from a binge eating problem generally consume “excess” amounts of food on a regular basis. Consumption is often rapid, the person is usually distracted by a TV or computer, and the individual does not stop eating when they are full.
Chronic binge eating is also a way to feed emotions. Food is a way to cope with problems that might lie so deep; the individual has trouble pinpointing what the exact issue is. Typically, those who are bingers have strong negative feelings about themselves and their bodies. When in a binging state, the person generally feels out of control and cannot STOP eating. Food provides instant gratification for times of stress, anger, sadness, or depression. Almost immediately after the binge, however, food loses its’ friendly comfort and becomes an enemy; bingers experience guilt, shame, and sadness.
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Symptoms Summary:
- Frequent, uncontrollable episodes of binge eating; feeling numb and on auto-pilot while bingeing.
- Eating normally around others and bingeing while alone.
- Embarrassment over how much you are eating.
- Feelings of desperation to control weight.
- Becoming distressed or upset during or after a bingeing episode.
- No purging is involved to “make up” for the binges; vomiting, over-exercising, or fasting.
- Never feeling satisfied, no matter how much you eat.
Tune in tomorrow when I will address the long-term effects of binge eating and the steps you can take to try and address chronic binge eating.
[...] Are You a Binge Eater? Part I [...]
I’m so happy you’re doing this series. It seems that many people struggle with this eating disorder but don’t seek help due to embarrassment, when they really need it. Education is a must!!
Such a big topic I applaud you for tackling it. I think eating differently around others while a cornerstone of binge eating is something many can work on. I think if we all indulge a little more socially the eating we do for other reasons can be reduced. This is an oversimplification but important.
Yes…this is such an important issue that more women need to feel comfortable talking about. I went through a phase during my teenage years where I had some very unhealthy habits. I wasn’t eating enough food during the day, which led to binges at night. Thankfully, I got to the root of the issue, and I haven’t had a binge in years. Thank you for sharing yourself with me week after week. This is a place where I come to feel love and inspiration. You are a blessing. Have a wonderful Friday!
Thanks for addressing this issue, Erin! This is a topic people need to be educated on. So many people experience this at one time or another. Some often. It is a problem and there are multiple reasons behind it!
I used to binge eat so bad my stomach would hurt and I wouldn’t be able to move hardly for several hours. It is so bad for your body. Thankfully I never got into the habit of purging and I quickly learned that binging was not worth it but every once in a while I will eat way too much, too fast, in one sitting and remind myself how horrible it feels and that my body does not need that much food.
Great post Erin! I will definitely be back tomorrow to read more!
Such an important topic to cover!! I used to definitely have problems with binge eating, and it’s still a struggle sometimes. I find that figuring out the “triggers” really stop me from doing it!
Definitely a good topic that a lot of people don’t understand. The shame and guilt that comes with this type of illness is very very strong. Can’t wait to read part two of this post! And great job approaching a subject people are so afraid to talk about!
I definitely struggle with this. Thanks for taking it on. Looking forward to your thoughts on the subject!
Sometimes I pig out =) hehe but i don’t fit the bill of a binge eater thank goodness! great post girl! <3
Luckily I’m not a binge eater nor have I ever been but my bf suffers from it
I’m trying to help him stop
This is such an important topic! I can’t wait to read your followup!
Kind of embarrassed to admit that yes, i am a binge eater! it mainly happens with sweets… it just started a year ago and i need to quit! i cant wait to see your follow up
I can’t wait to hear more on this topic.
Unfortunately, I do see quite a few patients who suffer from binge eating. It is nice that we have a psychologist on staff since a lot of it can stem from emotional issues.
This is such an important issue and I am looking forward to your follow-up posts. I feel like there are a lot of people who deal or have dealt with bingeing but people don’t talk about it enough.
I am eager to read the follow-up. I think a lot of people who are heavy into working out use fitness as a way to counter-act eating in an unhealthy way… There is a balance and moderation is key, but binging/exercising is scary!
Oh my…I can check off each and every one of those symptoms as a big fat YES! Yikes! I am a total binger (but non-purger). And of course I feel extreme guilt and dissatisfaction throughout the process. Not quite sure how to stop….hmmm…
Oooh good topic! Can’t wait to hear about your thoughts!
Thank you Erin! I’ve been waiting to hear your take on this. I’m at the end of my rope with this issue.
Great informative post! I used to binge before a “diet” because I felt like I had to indulge in all of my favourite unhealthy foods before I started denying myself. During these periods, I definitely had some of the symptoms you listed above. The problem was that I was constantly starting a new diet and I ended up putting on about 20 lbs because of the continual binging. I’m much more aware and now I eat healthy 80 – 90% of the time and allow myself some indulgences. I try to remove the word “diet” from my vocabulary — it’s a BAD word
ick! yep i used to binge eat when i was struggling with an ED a few years ago… this sounds all too familiar!!
Thanks for sharing this and addressing this topic. I can definitely relate to it and I am looking forward to more info.
I was never a binge eater but I definitely would over eat too often! I’ve gotten much better but I still have those days where I just over eat and never feel satisfied.
I was a binge eater for years until October 2009. I had ALL those symptoms you just listed especially the auto-pilot mode, eating in solitude and depression.
I look forward to more posts about this topic!